CONTEXT
IN 1982, THE NEW YORK STATE PASSED THE RETURNABLE CONTAINER ACT REQUIRING A FIVE-CENT DEPOSIT ON CERTAIN BEVERAGE CONTAINERS. THIS WORK REDUCES STREET LITTER BY OVER 70%! MUCH OF THE RECOVERY OF THESE CONTAINERS IS DONE BY CANNERS–THE PEOPLE THAT COLLECT EMPTY CONTAINERS FROM BUILDINGS, BARS, RESTAURANTS, AND FROM THE STREETS.
Better known as the Bottle Bill, the NY Returnable Container Act requires at least a 5-cent deposit on certain beverage containers, including still and sparkling water, soda, and beer. Other types of beverages, like juice, coffee, tea, wine, and liquor, are currently excluded. Consumers pay the retailers the deposit for each beverage container purchased. Empty beverage containers may be returned to a retailer or redemption center to get the deposit back. Retailers and redemption centers are reimbursed the deposit plus a 3.5-cent handling fee by the distributor for each empty beverage container returned.
However, many consumers don’t recover the refundable deposit. There are people who walk through streets every day to collect cans and bottles that were thrown into the trash. We estimate that in New York City, there are more than 10,000 canners, essentially freelance recyclers. The community of canners is overwhelmingly composed of an intersection of underserved and marginalized demographics, including undocumented immigrants, non-English speakers, people experiencing homelessness and/or disabilities, women, and the elderly. Most don’t have access to the benefits and protections of traditional employment. Our work lies in ensuring canners receive fair pay for their work, opportunities to grow in their job and their lives, opportunities to advocate to institutions for improvement of their conditions, and above all, dignity, a welcoming place to where they can do their valuable work, feel supported, and be active participants in a vital community.
Co-Founders Ana De Luco and Eugene Gadsden
HISTORY
SWC WAS FOUNDED IN 2007 TO PROVIDE CANNERS–PEOPLE WHO COLLECT CANS AND BOTTLES FROM THE STREETS–A WELCOMING PLACE TO REDEEM AND CONNECT WITH OTHERS ENGAGED IN THE SAME WORK. SWC IS THE ONLY NON-PROFIT DIRECTLY SERVING CANNERS IN NEW YORK.
Many canners face economic, emotional, educational and language barriers that limit their possibilities for full participation in society. SWC was founded by canners for canners. A group led by Ana de Luco and Eugene Gadsden, started SWC to improve their working and living conditions, and address the hardships of those who make a living by collecting and redeeming discarded cans and bottles.
SWC has grown each year. Today, SWC’s more than 1000 canners have a place to store, organize, and exchange what they have collected, as well as participate in community development and sustainability activities. In addition, through educational activities and programs for schools and universities, SWC promotes social awareness and sustainable practice in the broader community.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
SWC HAS EXPERIENCED CONSISTENT GROWTH OVER THE PAST FIFTEEN YEARS, LEADING TO A NUMBER OF NOTABLE MILESTONES AND RECOGNITION OF OUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT.
More than 1200 canners are part of our community
Recovered 12 million+ cans and bottles in the last year
Distributed more than $800,000 among the community of canners in the last year
Settled in an ideal location in Brooklyn with 12,000 sq ft & purchased the lot in 2023
Expanded and diversified activities: compost, community garden, educational visits, talks
Awards:
