Canner (recycling)

A canner refers to an individual who collects recyclable materials, primarily aluminum cans, but often also including plastic bottles and glass, from public and private sources, for the purpose of redeeming them for their deposit value or scrap value. Canners typically operate independently and may be motivated by a need for supplemental income, environmental concerns, or a combination of both.

The practice of can-collecting is often associated with urban environments and poverty, but canners can be found in a variety of socioeconomic settings. Their activities contribute to waste diversion and resource recovery, supplementing municipal recycling programs. The efficiency and effectiveness of canners depend on factors like deposit values, accessibility of materials, and processing infrastructure.

Canning can raise certain social and economic issues, including competition with formal recycling programs, potential safety concerns related to collecting materials in public spaces (e.g., traffic), and the informal nature of the work. Policy discussions regarding recycling often consider the role and impact of canners.