Title: Canners in Brooklyn: The Unsung Heroes of Recycling
- Pedro Romero is part of a global community of informal waste workers who aim to find value in discarded materials.
- His work highlights the importance of sustainability and the informal economy in urban settings.
- The rising number of waste workers signifies a shift toward recognizing the economic potential within waste management.
In the bustling streets of Brooklyn, a group of dedicated individuals, known as canners, are turning trash into treasure. Among them is Romero, who, alongside his family and friends, scavenges for recyclable materials in affluent neighborhoods. Equipped with gloves and bags, they meticulously sort through discarded items, collecting aluminum cans and plastic bottles to redeem for cash. Romero estimates he can earn between $8 to $10 from the recyclables he gathers from a single building, showcasing the potential income from this often-overlooked labor. Romero has established relationships with building managers to optimize his collection efforts, often coordinating with fellow canners to tackle large piles of trash at apartment complexes. Once their van is filled, they transport the recyclables to Sure We Can, a non-profit recycling center that not only processes these materials but also promotes sustainability through creative upcycling initiatives. The center plays a crucial role in the recycling ecosystem, redeeming over 23 million containers last year alone, highlighting the significant impact canners have on urban waste management. Despite their contributions, canners face challenges, including low wages averaging around $5 an hour, which is far below the minimum wage. A proposed bill aims to improve their situation by expanding the types of containers they can redeem and increasing handling fees, which would help sustain redemption centers. Advocates hope for a future where canners are recognized as essential partners in waste management rather than marginalized figures. As Romero continues his work, it raises important questions about the language and perceptions surrounding recycling and the vital role these individuals play in addressing the city's waste crisis.