Liz Lee and Julie Griffin, two retirees in Sydney, have taken up collecting recycling to supplement their pensions. They spend around 20 hours a week rummaging through bins for recyclable cans and bottles as part of New South Wales' Return and Earn scheme. This activity not only provides them with a small income, but also keeps them active. Lee, originally from England, finds joy in the endeavor despite never anticipating it would be part of her retirement plan, especially following job loss during the Covid pandemic.
"In the beginning, you feel sort of ashamed ... Then you get to the point of Who cares?"
"I like it, I enjoy it, she says, but never in a million years did I think I'd be doing this."
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