Grumpy homeowner is slammed as ‘entitled’ by neighbours after complaining about charitable act
A man living in an affluent Sydney suburb has been labeled ‘entitled’ after complaining that people were going through his bins looking for recyclable bottles and cans to make some extra money.
The NSW Environment and Protection Authority is offering a Return and Earn program that gives 10 cents for every bottle and can be returned, in an effort to promote recycling and reduce litter.
People who may be struggling to make ends meet are often seen rummaging through the bins on the street in the hope of picking up items to hand in.
But a man from Crows Nest, on Sydney’s lower north shore, complained on a Facebook group about a woman he described as a “bottle scavenger”.
“Please residents, do not encourage the bottle catchers,” the man wrote.
‘Their numbers are increasing and they are becoming a real nuisance.’
He then complained about the rattling of bags of bottles, “making noise day and night.”
“They also tear open garbage bags, creating a big mess,” he said.
The homeowner from Crows Nest on Sydney’s lower north shore complained on a Facebook group about a woman he described as a ‘bottle scavenger’
“I try not to be aggressive with them; If you could politely ask them to move on, that would be helpful.”
The man was quickly called by fellow residents of Crows Nest.
“How entitled you must be to accuse and shame people for cashing in on the cans and bottles you don’t want,” one wrote.
“Oh man, won’t someone think of the delicate ears,” another commented.
‘I don’t see a problem with this? These people are clearly struggling and the cans are still being recycled, so who cares who takes them?’ another wrote.
“I think a little empathy goes a long way,” said another.
“You have some underlying issues that you need to address.”
“If you can’t find peace in the world because some retirees are taking bottles out of your trash, that’s not so bad,” wrote another.
The man then claimed that the ‘bottle catchers’ weren’t all having a hard time.
“I understand what you’re saying, but these aren’t wrestling bottle catchers. “I followed a particular problematic person to her car and she was driving a Mercedes-Benz SUV,” he said.