He collected bottles and cans for seven years, paid his home down payment with recycling

Damian Gordon, a 36-year-old living in Australia's Central Coast region, has taken a significant step toward homeownership with the recyclable bottles and cans he collected over seven years.

Gordon began collecting empty cans and bottles in 2017 to earn extra income. Receiving 10 cents for every container he returned under Australia's "Return and Earn" scheme, Gordon kept these savings in a separate account.

Collecting waste from beaches, parks, and public areas after work, Gordon eventually also participated in volunteer cleanup efforts at music festivals. By the end of seven years, he had returned more than 450,000 bottles and cans, earning approximately 46,000 Australian Dollars, or about 1.5 million Turkish Lira.

Gordon used the money he saved in 2024 for the down payment required to purchase an old fisherman's cottage. Abandoned tents, camping gear, and non-perishable food items he collected from festival grounds were also put to use in furnishing his home.

Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change, the organization that runs the recycling program, stated that the figure Gordon reached is one of the highest individual contributions in the program's history.

Gordon, who has not stopped collecting waste after becoming a homeowner, continues to use the income he earns from recycling to support his mortgage payments.