Foreign Property News | Posted by Si Thu Aung
Damian Gordon had no idea that a simple act of picking up discarded cans would eventually lead him to purchase a home. The 36-year-old from the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, has spent the past seven years collecting recyclables, turning what started as a modest side gig into an impressive financial achievement. His dedication to the environment has not only changed his life, but it also provides a valuable lesson in how small actions can accumulate into significant rewards.
A Journey That Began with Simple Ambitions In 2017, Gordon set out to collect cans and bottles, initially with no more intention than earning a little extra money on the side. Outside his regular job, he combed through parks, beaches, and public spaces, retrieving discarded containers eligible for a 10-cent refund through Australia’s Return and Earn scheme. What began as a small project soon grew into something much larger. Over the next seven years, Gordon amassed more than 450,000 cans and bottles, earning $46,000 AUD — enough to make a down payment on a two-bedroom home.
At first, Gordon didn’t keep close tabs on his savings. “It just kind of piled up,” he told ABC News. The money, which accumulated in a bank account he didn’t check often, eventually allowed him to bid on a two-bedroom fishing shack at an auction. The modest house on the Central Coast, which Gordon described as a “little old fishing shack,” became his home in 2024. For Gordon, it was the culmination of years of hard work and an unexpected outcome of his environmental efforts.
Damian Gordon loads up his ute, bound for a container recycling centre. Credit: Damian Gordon
Volunteering at Festivals: A Key Strategy A major part of Gordon’s strategy to gather cans involved volunteering at music festivals, where the sheer volume of waste left behind by attendees presented a unique opportunity. In Australia, over 500 festivals take place annually, and Gordon took advantage of these events to collect thousands of cans in just a few days. His connection to the festivals wasn’t just about picking up recyclables; it was also a way to become part of the vibrant festival culture.
During these events, Gordon had the chance to meet well-known performers, like The Presets and Sneaky Sound System, while working backstage. “I’ve met so many famous people just through cleaning up side stage,” he said. But the cans weren’t the only items left behind. Gordon frequently found abandoned camping equipment, food, and even decorations like fairy lights. “One time, I brought home so much food — weeks and weeks’ worth of non-perishables,” he recalled.
Today, he applies this same mindset to his life. His new home, furnished partly with items salvaged from local cleanups, reflects his commitment to reusing and repurposing discarded goods.
Gordon, now the proud owner of his home, has no plans to stop his recycling efforts anytime soon.
Ref: After Seven Years, A Man Has Collected 450,000 Cans for Recycling, and Now They’re Helping Him… Buy a House! Photo Credit- Damian Gordon
