COMMUNITY

in 2023, Sure We Can releaseD the first ever study on NYC canners!

This report contains findings from the first-ever survey of independent recyclers (also referred to as canners) across New York City’s five boroughs…The study revealed that independent recycling is a low-barrier livelihood for working-age individuals who have been shut out of the formal labor market and, notably, fills critical gaps in social safety nets for many who are elderly or coping with chronic physical and mental illness. At the same time, the results show personal benefits derived from the work, especially in relation to mental and physical health. Despite the social and environmental benefits of canning, these workers face precarious conditions, earning on average one third of the NY minimum wage under a policy framework which has not been changed to increase the redemption deposit for over forty years.

Report

Sure we Can SERVES A DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF over 1000 CANNERS, REPRESENTING A WIDE RANGE OF BACKGROUNDS, AGES, AND LIFESTYLES, WHO WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, STUDENTS, NEIGHBORS AND PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS TO BUILD A VIBRANT, INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY.

Canning provides economic opportunities to individuals outside of traditional employment models, many of whom come from underserved or excluded demographics. SWC goes beyond income generation, providing respect and a social support system, helping people to feel integrated, valued, respected and empowered. SWC serves a community of approximately 1000 canners, for many of whom canning is their primary source of income.

The community of canners includes people of African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Caucasian backgrounds coming from more than twenty countries. Most canners lack access to conventional employment opportunities and many do not speak English. SWC embraces canners of all ages as well as individuals experiencing homelessness, all of whom are working towards a meaningful livelihood and sustainable lifestyle in the challenging urban environment of New York City.

Cultural diversity is also reflected in our staff, board of directors and volunteers. Many of our staff and over half of our board come directly from the canner community. We also welcome schools and universities, young artists and partner organizations from all backgrounds. Collective participation has been an integral aspect of SWC from the beginning.

Ethnicity/Language