St Vincent de Paul Society Australia genetic logo

<p>The St Vincent de Paul Society offers over 200 services that help people in need.</p>

Safeguarding

Find Help

Membership NSW

Volunteering NSW

Careers NSW

Join the Social Justice Network

Vinnies Service Medallion

Vinnies Youth NSW

Donations of goods and services NSW

Gifts in Wills

Philanthropy

Fundraise for Vinnies NSW

Clothing drives, toy collections and food hampers

Corporate partnerships NSW

Financial donations NSW

Sponsorship NSW

Cause related marketing campaigns NSW

Workplace giving - community support NSW

Vinnies and the Return and Earn Scheme

Vinnies Bag O Rags

Vinnies re/CYCLE range

Vinnies Used Cooking Oil Recycling (VUCOR)

Get involved

Get Involved

<h1>Vinnies Shops</h1>
<p>Everything you buy or donate inspires change in your local community.</p>

Vinnies Shops

Shops

Social Justice Statements

Reports and Submissions

Modern Anti-Slavery Statements

Reconciliation Action Plan

Uluru Statement Resources

Energy NSW

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Advocacy

About us

Contact Us

History NSW

NSW Strategic Plan

Leadership NSW

Policies NSW

Mission and Formation

About Us

News and stories

NSW Media Releases

Vision Magazine

Impact Magazine

NSW Blog

Your Kind of Good Magazine

NSW Disaster Reports

NSW Annual Reports

News and Stories

| Vinnies

Home

ACT & surrounds

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

National Council

SVdP Housing Australia

<p dir="ltr">At Vinnies, we believe that small actions can create a big impact. Just ask Ian Young, who has been actively involved with the Vinnies Return and Earn scheme. In just four months, Ian has already seen firsthand how recycling containers can change lives—not only by helping the environment but by supporting charities and strengthening communities.</p>

Every can counts: Ian’s story with Vinnies Return and Earn

Rich Text

Embedded Video

<p dir="ltr"></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">A day in the life&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Ian’s work with Return and Earn keeps him on his feet and constantly engaged with people from all walks of life. His daily tasks include processing dockets, handling payments, and driving to schools and various locations to collect containers. “You’re helping out threefold,” Ian says. “You’re helping a charity, you’re helping out the community, you’re helping out the state government, you’re even helping out the planet.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">It’s this multi-layered impact that keeps Ian motivated every day. Whether he’s interacting with builders, full-time recyclers, or elderly residents bringing in small donations, he finds joy in every conversation and connection.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">More than just recycling&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">One of Ian’s favorite aspects of his role is meeting people. “You get to meet a lot of people,” he shares. “It’s not a bad thing if you like meeting people and having a yarn.” The variety of people who come through the doors—from those who rely on the refunds to make ends meet to those donating their containers to charity—adds to the richness of his experience.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Not only does the role provide social interactions, but it also comes with perks. “I pick up cans myself and bring them in,” Ian says with a chuckle. “So it’s a bit of a perk of the job to just jump the queue.”</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Why join the Vinnies Return and Earn team?&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">For Ian, the benefits of being part of <a href="/nsw/get-involved/vinnies-and-the-return-and-earn-scheme" title="Vinnies and the Return and Earn Scheme">Vinnies Return and Earn</a> go beyond just keeping busy. It’s about giving back, learning new skills, and making a difference. “It’s not too bad, it’s not too demanding, and it keeps you busy all day.” Plus, with the flexibility to engage with schools, businesses, and individuals, the role is as dynamic as it is rewarding.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ian encourages others to get involved, whether through participating in the scheme or supporting the initiative. “You learn a few skills, you’re interacting with people, and you’re making an impact,” he says. “It’s a great way to help out and be part of something bigger.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community while helping the planet? Join Ian and the Vinnies team by <a href="/nsw/get-involved/volunteering-nsw" title="Volunteering NSW">volunteering</a> at one of Vinnies’ ten Return and Earn depots around NSW. You can help us turn everyday recycling into meaningful change.</p>

<p>Join the team by volunteering at one of Vinnies’ ten Return and Earn depots around NSW</p>

Get involved with Vinnies Return and Earn