In today's fast-paced world, where the cost of living is constantly rising, finding ways to supplement your income can be a game-changer.

For many Australians, side hustles have become a popular way to earn extra cash without committing to a second full-time job.

One enterprising Aussie, Amy Coulston, has taken side hustling to new heights, doubling her income and raking in an impressive $90,000 through various gigs.

The 24-year-old from the Sunshine Coast has become a side hustle savant.

A young Australian woman boosted her income to $90,000 with side hustles, including recycling cans. Credit: @amy_coul / TikTok

Working full-time in administration, Amy has matched her income by engaging in various side hustles, including a simple yet effective method: collecting cans.

While on her daily afternoon walk, Amy began picking up eligible containers and cashing them in for 10 cents each through the Queensland Containers for Change scheme.

She found eight containers on a recent five-kilometre stroll, earning 80 cents.

It may not sound like much, but these small amounts have added up to hundreds of dollars over the years.

This initiative not only pads her wallet but also contributes to environmental conservation by recycling waste.

The Containers for Change scheme has been a hit in Queensland, with the average resident receiving $200 in refunds last year.

Since its launch in 2018, a staggering 7.4 billion containers have been returned, and $740 million has been paid out.

It's a win-win for both the environment and the pocketbook.

But Amy's side hustles don't stop at can collecting.

She's also delved into market research, which she cites as one of her favourite and most lucrative side gigs.

Market research participants can earn around $60 an hour by sharing opinions on products or websites over video calls.

Amy also enjoys mystery shopping, where she gets paid to shop or dine out and provide feedback.

For those interested in following Amy's lead, she recommended websites like Askable, User Testing, Intellizoom, and User Interviews for market research opportunities.

She used Field Agent, Smart Spotter, and Snooper for mystery shopping.

For a more passive income stream, she suggested online surveys with sites like Pure Profile, Prime Opinion, and Octopus, which can be done while relaxing at home.

It's important to note that almost every state and territory in Australia has a container return scheme, including NSW's Return and Earn and Victoria's CDS Vic.

These programs are a way to earn extra money, encourage recycling, and reduce litter.

Australia’s container deposit schemes, offering 10-cent refunds for eligible containers, are available in almost every state and territory.

New South Wales has ‘Return and Earn,’ Victoria operates ‘CDS Vic,’ Queensland and Western Australia use ‘Containers for Change,’

South Australia runs its own ‘Container Deposit Scheme,’ the Australian Capital Territory has the ACT Container Deposit Scheme, and the Northern Territory offers the ‘NT Container Deposit Scheme’. Tasmania plans to introduce its ‘Container Refund Scheme’ in 2024.

Key Takeaways

• A young Australian woman doubled her income to $90,000 through various side hustles, including collecting cans as part of a recycling scheme.
• Amy Coulston utilises the Queensland Containers for Change scheme, among other side hustles, to earn extra money.
• Queensland's Containers for Change scheme has paid out $740 million since its inception in 2018.
• Coulston also earns money through market research, mystery shopping, and online surveys, managing to match her full-time income in administration.

Have you considered starting a side hustle? You may already be a pro at turning your free time into extra dollars. Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.

 

[Suzanne rose]

That's very impressive $90,000 for collecting cans ,surveys and mystery shoppers.

Having a large family we have large can collections every 6 to 8 weeks including our kids who don't live at home drop these off.

We save around 1500 cans = $150
So times this by 6 = $900 a year

I've tried those surveys and most take 15 to 20 min and payment is 50c to $1

As for mystery shopping ...GOOD LUCK that pays $200 but is very hard to get and it's not a weekly thing.

I really don't see how she could possibly reach $90,000

I'm thinking it was a printing error it would be more like $900 or at the best $9000

 

[Tervueren]

Keep fit at the same time! Why not! Whatever rocks your boat.

 

[Bill MacL]

That's very impressive $900,000 for collecting cans ,surveys and mystery shoppers.

Having a large family we have large can collections every 6 to 8 weeks including our kids who don't live at home drop these off.

We save around 1500 cans = $150
So times this by 6 = $900 a year

I've tried those surveys and most take 15 to 20 min and payment is 50c to $1

As for mystery shopping ...GOOD LUCK that pays $200 but is very hard to get and it's not a weekly thing.

I really don't see how she could possibly reach $900,000

I'm thinking it was a printing error it would be more like $900 or at the best $9000

90 thousand, not 900 thousand.

 

[ShezzieD]

That's very impressive $900,000 for collecting cans ,surveys and mystery shoppers.

Having a large family we have large can collections every 6 to 8 weeks including our kids who don't live at home drop these off.

We save around 1500 cans = $150
So times this by 6 = $900 a year

I've tried those surveys and most take 15 to 20 min and payment is 50c to $1

As for mystery shopping ...GOOD LUCK that pays $200 but is very hard to get and it's not a weekly thing.

I really don't see how she could possibly reach $900,000

I'm thinking it was a printing error it would be more like $900 or at the best $9000

Hi Suzanne. I believe the article said that this young lady increased her income up to $90,000 by her extra activities. Not $900,000 on top of her usual income. Have a great day

 

[Suzanne rose]

90 thousand, not 900 thousand. $90,000 is still a bit unbelievable

$90,000 is still unbelievable

 

[mylittletibbies]

That's very impressive $90,000 for collecting cans ,surveys and mystery shoppers.

Having a large family we have large can collections every 6 to 8 weeks including our kids who don't live at home drop these off.

We save around 1500 cans = $150
So times this by 6 = $900 a year

I've tried those surveys and most take 15 to 20 min and payment is 50c to $1

As for mystery shopping ...GOOD LUCK that pays $200 but is very hard to get and it's not a weekly thing.

I really don't see how she could possibly reach $90,000

I'm thinking it was a printing error it would be more like $900 or at the best $9000

I agree, surveys are a waste of time. You're lucky if you can make $2 an hour, I've got better things to do with my time.
If you're into gardening you can make a fair bit out of potting up cuttings.
I get pots from all and sundry, also our nearest Bunnings has an area where you can pick up returned pots.
Mainly I do pelegoniums and Big Red geraniums. Last year I made about $4,000 profit selling them from my own home. I sell them at about half the price of Bunnings.
At the same time I sell oranges and lemons at a much cheaper price than the shops.

 

[Clancieblue]

$90,000 is still unbelievable

All a bit misleading ,if you ask me .

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

I have been involved with Mystery Shopping for a number of years but due to work / volunteering commitments, have scaled down considerably. I am involved in Focus Groups as well and can get paid from $80.00 upwards for an hour, my best pay being $250. I do surveys and like with Rewardia, opt for supermarket vouchers which has saved me a bundle. This option is also offered by the Focus Groups. I have never sold my oranges, mandarins and lemons - much prefer to put them out for free to those who wants them....

 

[Penny4]

We have poachers who take out any bottles/cans from the Council recycling bin days in our street.

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

We have poachers who take out any bottles/cans from the Council recycling bin days in our street.

Our cans are no good for any potential poacher; hubby religiously squashes his after consumption ...

 

[Singomate]

We have poachers who take out any bottles/cans from the Council recycling bin days in our street.

Common problem ended up putting sign on bin to no avail still get bin divers and leave a mess .

 

[Penny4]

Common problem ended up putting sign on bin to no avail still get bin divers and leave a mess .

I know! They are worse than black crows, except bin divers arrive at night. No rubbing their hands together with glee from our bin, as the only item they get is from a few Schweppes sparkling mineral water bottles.

 

[steamyjack]

That's very impressive $90,000 for collecting cans ,surveys and mystery shoppers.

Having a large family we have large can collections every 6 to 8 weeks including our kids who don't live at home drop these off.

We save around 1500 cans = $150
So times this by 6 = $900 a year

I've tried those surveys and most take 15 to 20 min and payment is 50c to $1

As for mystery shopping ...GOOD LUCK that pays $200 but is very hard to get and it's not a weekly thing.

I really don't see how she could possibly reach $90,000

I'm thinking it was a printing error it would be more like $900 or at the best $9000

Agreed.$90k pa from all of those p/t hustles is fanciful in my view. I use Pure Profile and I collect cans for the wardrobe mistress of a theatre company. But even with video calls at $60 a pop at what? 3-4/mth? To earn $90k she wouldn't have time for her full time job or any recreational activity.An 8 kilo walk[4 there and back] would take two hours + at how many times a week? No,I'd say 3-4K max pa.Enough to pay for car tyres, servicing and Christmas presents.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Hi Suzanne. I believe the article said that this young lady increased her income up to $90,000 by her extra activities. Not $900,000 on top of her usual income. Have a great day

No, the article said she matched her income with her side hustles, that means plus.

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

Agreed.$90k pa from all of those p/t hustles is fanciful in my view. I use Pure Profile and I collect cans for the wardrobe mistress of a theatre company. But even with video calls at $60 a pop at what? 3-4/mth? To earn $90k she wouldn't have time for her full time job or any recreational activity.An 8 kilo walk[4 there and back] would take two hours + at how many times a week? No,I'd say 3-4K max pa.Enough to pay for car tyres, servicing and Christmas presents.

Probably more like it I say ..... agree with your point

 

[Wandiwa]

Our cans are no good for any potential poacher; hubby religiously squashes his after consumption ...

Here in WA squashed cans are perfectly acceptable.

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

Here in WA squashed cans are perfectly acceptable.

Not the case here (in our neck of the woods) in 'good old Victoria' ....

 

[Jan Purcell]

Well I will keep doing my lollipop job ( crossing supervisor) its a good part time job when your on the age pension, its good pay, you get school holidays pay sick pay long serve leave and supper, which it all comes in very handy.

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

Well I will keep doing my lollipop job ( crossing supervisor) its a good part time job when your on the age pension, its good pay, you get school holidays pay sick pay long serve leave and supper, which it all comes in very handy.

Like you Jan, I am a Lollipop Lady as well but only on a casual basis which for some time, has been more part time than casual ..... unlike you though, I do not get those benefits but yes, the pay is good particularly when you are on a casual rate....