'Frustrating' bin act is so common people now want a set of rules

Is there a right way to go about it? Some neighbours seem to think so. 

Return and Earn and similar schemes where you earn money by turning in recyclable bottles and cans has long been an effective way for people to do good for the environment, whilst also bringing in a bit of extra cash.

Now that the cost of living is so high, many Aussies have noticed people going to extra lengths to get a few extra dollars in their pockets - and who could blame them?

But, how far is too far?

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Image: Steve Tyson, Reddit / @nicoleluvzya.

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“How long do you get to clank and bang outside my front door?”

A Perth man has taken to Reddit after getting sick of people stealing bottles and cans out of the bins in his apartment building.

“With the economy in the shit, raiding bins for refundable bottles isn't just for the homeless anymore,” the post said.

“My block has a ‘containers for change’ bin that is locked and collected, but my lazy ass neighbours still throw many of their cans and bottles in the recycling.”

The man went on to say that as he sits on his balcony, he can see and hear a ‘steady stream of container hunters’ - and it’s just about any kind of person you can think of.

“They each spend up to 20 minutes smashing and crashing through our yellow bins,” he wrote.

“I get it. Times are tough. But how long do you get to clank and bang outside my front door before I am reasonably allowed to tell you to f*ck off and start pegging my empties at you?

“Asking for a friend.”

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“Set up a hose”

A number of commenters on the post were equally annoyed with the issue, having dealt with it themselves.

“Do we all have to sit inside our homes with the doors closed and our ear plugs in until they pass or do we have to bring them snacks and lemonade? What's an acceptable level of common courtesy?” one person asked.

“Set up a hose,” said another.

“Have you thought about putting a sign on your bin?”

But, others were a lot more courteous, suggesting ways in which the poster could make the lives of collectors easier, so they can get the job done without as much noise or fuss.

“Have you thought about putting a sign on your bin, 'no 10c bottles inside' or something? I know you can buy wheelie bin locks but I can imagine people breaking those to get inside,” one commenter suggested.

“I actually separate my refundable and put them into a box or bag for anyone who wants them, if they are down that bad, they can have them without any fuss and move along,” said another.

“If you know the bins have already been raided, I think it would be fair to let later raiders know; maybe put a note on the bin?” a third person added.

Originally published as 'Frustrating' bin act is so common people now want a set of rules