SURE WE CAN

Brooklyn, New York


Sure We Can (SWC) is a non-profit supporting the local community of canners - those who collect cans and bottles that were thrown in the trash and recycle them for income. Canners are “freelance recyclers” who are dominantly under-resourced communities and do not have access to the stability and benefits of employment. SWC began as a space to advocate for the dignified work of canners and build a dependable community of resources, safety, and empowerment. Through their work, SWC is committed to social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The mission has grown to include arts, composting, urban farming, and general community gathering.

Material Resource Regeneration
In an attempt to increase recycling, New York City has what is known as the Bottle Bill which charges a refundable $0.05 per plastic, glass, and aluminum beverage bottles. Sure We Can operates as a Redemption Center where canners can bring their collected containers and receive the full $0.05 refund as well as 20-25% additional for sorted containers. SWC coordinates with distributors who then come to pick up the containers for recycling.

In addition to their main focus of recycling, SWC practices other material regeneration methods. They make their own compost from food waste to use in the urban garden during the summer seasons to grow tomatoes and greens for their community. There is a rainwater harvesting system that is used to water the communal garden. They are currently in the process of building out a greenhouse and hydroponics system to expand their growing abilities.

Education + Events
SWC partners with local schools and after-school programs to provide educational programming on recycling and sustainability at large. They also have a volunteer program for students and others in the community who would like to be involved on a more regular basis and host designated volunteer days. They have also partnered with college and graduate students from Parsons School of Design and Columbia University who are interested in focusing their academic research on informal urban waste management systems that are community based.

Another pillar of SWC’s mission is advocacy work that supports legislation for improving bottle and can redemption systems as well as improving the lives of canners to legitimize their labor.

Public + Spatial Amenities
SWC operates as a safe community space where canners and community members are always welcome. Canners have private space to store their collection instead of transporting it with them.  As mentioned in the Material Resources section, there exists various other amenities available to the community such as an urban garden and compost service. Many local artists and makers, many who use reclaimed materials in their work, maintain the space with vibrant murals and designs.

Alternative Structures + Community Wealth Building
The guaranteed space for re-sale that SWC offers is essential to approximately 1,000 canners as their work is labor intensive and often the only means of income for many. In addition to providing economic development, the space builds community resilience through community gatherings, one-on-one counseling, and organizing local cultural events and celebrations.



REFERENCES
Sure We Can Website
Sure We Can Facebook