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Images of a man driving from house to house raiding recycling bins to collect cans and bottles has divided Aussies.
A Melbourne resident shared the controversial clip on Wednesday after spotting the man fishing through their rubbish bin.
The footage showed the man driving a black car to the trash can and digging through it with a plastic bag in his hand.
Commentators believed he had collected bottles and cans worth 10 cents each as part of Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme.
While some were not convinced the scheme was worth it, others said they would have no problem with people going through their bins to make extra money.
A Melbourne man (above) was spotted raiding recycling bins to collect bottles and cans on Wednesday
Victorians can earn 10 cents per bottle and can recycle them through the state's Container Deposit Scheme, introduced in November 2023
“Eh… As long as they handle it decently and don't dump s**t everywhere, they're good for it,” someone said.
'I don't see a problem here. Personally, I make it easy for them by putting all my cans in a separate bag and tying it to the trash can,” wrote another.
'Is recycled and they get money. I don't know if they're going to cover the cost of car fuel,” said a third.
“Times are tough, don't judge,” said another.
Other commenters said they usually don't mind people searching the bins for cans and bottles, which can be returned for 10 cents each, as long as they are considerate.
“Sure, do it at a reasonable hour, not 9pm at night which will scare the dog and wake up the damn kids,” one person wrote.
'Personally I could never do this, and there's a guy at work doing it and rummaging through the bins and that's where my head goes. It's easy money,” said another.
“You're supposed to clean the streets with a bag and not with trash cans, that's cheating,” wrote another.
Commenters agreed that they are fine with people raiding their bins, like the man filmed (above), for extra money, as long as they are considerate of residents.
Victoria introduced its Container Deposit Scheme in November 2023 following similar recycling incentive programs in other states including South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
Vending machines have been rolled out across the state where residents can redeem their cans and bottles.
The money they earn can be exchanged for cash or donated to charity.