We Can Collect

We Can Collect is an infrastructure for everyday gift exchange between Brooklyn residents who discard redeemable cans and bottles and those who collect and recycle them to earn a living - often called 'canners' in New York City. It is an infrastructure of reusable collection bags, adjacent to the municipal waste management system, that will not only divert valuable materials from the landfill and reduce litter but also provide vital income and promote dignity for this marginalized work sector.  Co-designed by Cantarella, Hegel, and the members of AIR-NYC (Alliance of Independent Recyclers - NYC), slated for implementation in 2025.

This project is in development.