Recycling is no longer just about sorting bottles and cans into the right bin. Today, it has become a practical way to put money back in your pocket while helping the environment. For many Filipinos living in Australia and New Zealand, where cost of living pressures can feel overwhelming, these small but effective strategies are worth exploring. From clearing out clutter to finding new uses for old belongings, here are seven smart ways to recycle and earn extra cash.
1. Scrap car removal
One of the most overlooked ways to recycle responsibly is through scrap car removal. Instead of letting an old vehicle sit idle in the garage or on the street, scrap car services tow it away, recycle its usable parts, and pay you for the metal and materials.
For Filipino migrants, this can be especially useful. Many families keep their first car as a backup after upgrading, only to realise later that the vehicle is taking up space and costing money in registration or maintenance. Having it removed not only frees up valuable space but also turns what looks like junk into extra income – all while reducing landfill waste and supporting a greener future.
2. Sell used electronics
From that old iPhone tucked away in a drawer to a laptop that no longer keeps up with Zoom calls, electronic gadgets can still be valuable. Trade-in programs at big retailers, as well as online marketplaces, offer cash or credits for used electronics.
E-waste is a growing issue in both Australia and New Zealand, but Filipinos – known for their resourcefulness – are already accustomed to “hand-me-down” culture. Selling or recycling electronics ensures these items are refurbished or safely disposed of, rather than ending up as toxic waste.
3. Return bottles and cans
If you grew up in the Philippines, you probably remember bringing empty Coke or San Miguel bottles back to the sari-sari store for a few pesos. The good news? Australia has similar systems in place today.
States like Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland all operate container deposit schemes, offering 10¢ per eligible bottle or can. In contrast, New Zealand has long discussed a nationwide container return program – but as of now, it remains unimplemented, still under review despite years of advocacy and planning.
For Filipino households who regularly buy drinks in bulk, making recycling part of the routine is easier in Australia’s refundable system – and still a hopeful opportunity in New Zealand in the near future.
4. Recycle clothes and textiles
Fast fashion means closets fill up quickly, but there’s money to be made in clearing them out. Clothes in good condition can be sold through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or community garage sales. Some textile recycling centres even pay for worn-out fabrics, which are then repurposed into rags or insulation.
Filipino communities often organise charity drives and op-shop donations, but selling or recycling clothing ensures nothing goes to waste. And if you’re creative, upcycling old clothes into bags or home décor can even become a small side hustle.
5. Scrap metal recycling
That broken washing machine, rusty bike, or unused barbecue grill might not look valuable – but scrap yards are willing to pay for the metal. Copper, aluminium, and stainless steel are in high demand, and recycling them requires far less energy than mining new resources.
For handy Filipino dads and titos who enjoy tinkering with tools and appliances, this can be an enjoyable and rewarding way to earn a little extra while keeping the backyard clutter-free.
6. Composting and selling fertiliser
Food waste makes up a large portion of household rubbish, but it doesn’t have to go to landfill. Composting turns kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich fertiliser. Some Filipino families in Australia already plant vegetables like kamatis (tomatoes), talbos (sweet potato leaves), or taro in backyard gardens. Selling or sharing compost with neighbours or local community gardens is another way to build connections – and maybe even make a few dollars.
This approach also reflects a very Filipino trait: nothing goes to waste if it can still serve a purpose.
7. Upcycle furniture and household items
Finally, before throwing out that old table or chair, consider giving it a second life. A fresh coat of paint or minor repair can transform tired furniture into a trendy piece. Many Filipinos in Australia and New Zealand already browse Facebook Marketplace for bargains – so why not be on the selling side?
Upcycling is not only eco-friendly but also a chance to showcase creativity. Some people even turn it into a small weekend business, reselling refurbished items at markets or online.
A Filipino touch to recycling
Recycling and earning cash are more than just practical steps – they connect to values deeply familiar to Filipinos: resourcefulness, thrift, and community spirit. Whether it’s finding new uses for an old car, returning bottles for cash, or planting vegetables from food scraps, these habits not only save money but also help build a greener, cleaner environment for future generations.
As migrants in Australia and New Zealand, embracing these practices is one way to adapt to a new country while holding on to Filipino values of walang sayang – “nothing goes to waste.”
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[ Contributed by Jo Romeo, updated on 9 September 2025 ]
