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.

 

[novezar]

Hey 'Penny4", your empty sparkling water bottles are worth a bob or 2 as well.

Don't forget, whatever one discards can become anyones property.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Here in WA squashed cans are perfectly acceptable.

I wished squashed cans were OK in NSW as well but even dinted they won't except and if putting in a machine it will reject them

 

[mylittletibbies]

I wished squashed cans were OK in NSW as well but even dinted they won't except and if putting in a machine it will reject them

Why?? Surely they are all going to end up crushed anyway.
They take up so much less room crushed.
I wonder what crazy logic is behind this idea.

 

[Penny4]

Hey 'Penny4", your empty sparkling water bottles are worth a bob or 2 as well.

Don't forget, whatever one discards can become anyones property.

Yes, I'll start collecting them.