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Bin fossicking on the rise as cost of living pressures take hold

2024 Junior Journalist competition entry – Primary School News Story (Print) category: the cost of living crisis has led to people trespassing to rummage through rubbish bins for recyclables

Cash grab: Bin fossickers have angered local residents. Junior Journalists George and Alexandra investigated the rise in bin fossicking. Picture: George and Alexandra Riquelme
Cash grab: Bin fossickers have angered local residents. Junior Journalists George and Alexandra investigated the rise in bin fossicking. Picture: George and Alexandra Riquelme

READING LEVEL: GREEN

Angry Melbourne residents have slammed bin fossickers for brazenly trespassing on private

property in a bid to collect refundable bottles and cans.

Mike*, who lives in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, says he was shocked to discover that

strangers had trespassed on his property while he was at work to collect recyclable bottles

and cans stored near his front door.

The culprits left rubbish scattered around his front yard while a shocked neighbour

witnessed the incident.

“Trespassing on private property for any reason, including to search for bottles and cans, is

unacceptable – there’s no two ways about it,” he said.

“Your home should be a safe place that is free from unwanted visitors and intrusions.

“The fact that this happened is a complete breach of trust and privacy and is very unsettling.

“Sadly, I think that it’s a sign of the times as the cost of living crunch sets in.”

The neighbour who witnessed the incident said it happened quickly and he was left shocked.

“Trespassing and leaving rubbish everywhere is low, very low,” he said.

It comes as more Australians turn to recycling to make extra cash.

Every bottle counts: More than 900 million bottles and cans have been recycled in Victoria. Picture: supplied
Every bottle counts: More than 900 million bottles and cans have been recycled in Victoria. Picture: supplied

Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) launched in November 2023 and the uptake has been

strong.

More than 900 million containers have been returned – putting more than $90 million back

in the pockets of Victorians. There are currently around 647 refund collection points

operating statewide.

But not everyone is going about recycling the right way, according to VicReturn Chief

Communications, Marketing and Engagement Officer Marianne Doyle.

“VicReturn strongly discourages people from bin fossicking,” she said.

“Bin fossicking is unsafe and removing recyclables placed out for collection is illegal in many

local government areas and may incur fines.”

Residents have taken to social media to express their views regarding the practice, which is

also known as “bin diving”.

“I’m from western Sydney and this happens every week, usually on foot,” one local resident

said.

NSW’s container deposit scheme is also popular. Picture: NCA NewsWire
NSW’s container deposit scheme is also popular. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Bin fossickers are also targeting bins in shopping centres and other public places.

“I’ve seen reasonably well-dressed adults charge up to the public bin and quickly search it

for cans and fill a bag up and charge off not making eye contact with anyone,” the resident

said. “These people clearly aren’t homeless. I think it’s cost of living pressures really biting.”

Ms Doyle said there were plenty of opportunities to cash in on recycling and urged people to do the right thing.

“We are already seeing so many Victorians get behind this scheme and return their containers,” she said.

“The container deposit scheme is a great way for Victorians and community groups to raise

funds.”

Sporting group the Alexandra Football Netball Club has raised more than $14,000 for their

local community through the CDS.

Charities, including Pets of the Homeless Australia, also support recycling. The charity has

urged Victorians to donate unwanted bottles and cans to raise money for people and pets in

need.

People could raise money by collecting litter from public places instead of rummaging through other people’s bins. Picture: Tony Gough
People could raise money by collecting litter from public places instead of rummaging through other people’s bins. Picture: Tony Gough

Individuals and families can also benefit from the CDS, according to Ms Doyle.

“While we do not have specific data on cost of living impacts, we have heard of households

using their returned funds towards holidays and general household expenses,” she said.

Those who ignore the warnings and test the law may find themselves in trouble, with some

local councils issuing fines for bin fossicking. This varies by local council area.

City of Darebin Interim chief executive officer Michael Tudball advised local residents to

consider the placement of their bins.

“The current local law prohibits the rummaging or interfering of hard rubbish placed out

for collection and does not extend to household bins,” he said.

“Our advice to residents is that, where possible, household bins should be kept in areas that

are behind gates or inaccessible from the street.

“We also recommend that any form of trespassing be reported to Victoria Police.”

Resident Joanne Campbell recycled seven garbage bags of cans and bottles in return for around $100 on the first day of the Victorian container deposit scheme. Picture: Alison Wynd
Resident Joanne Campbell recycled seven garbage bags of cans and bottles in return for around $100 on the first day of the Victorian container deposit scheme. Picture: Alison Wynd

If a person enters a place without permission or a lawful excuse, an offence called

trespassing, they may receive a fine of more than $4000 or face up to six months

imprisonment.

“I’m all for recycling, helping people in need and giving back to the community and I’m sure

most people feel the same way,” Mike said.

“You definitely need to do the right thing and ask first though. You can’t just enter someone’s property without their permission and violate their rights – that’s completely unacceptable.”

Mike said he was considering installing surveillance cameras and would report the matter to

police if it happened again.

* Name of source has been changed upon request.

Please note: Images were added to this Junior Journo competition entry by Kids News editors and minor edits applied as per publishing requirements and editorial guidelines on the site.