The Other 3 Rs: Recognize, Respect and Reward
Valoristes redeem cans they have collected at the Cooperative les Valoristes in Montreal, Canada. Photo courtesy of CLV.
“Whether they call themselves canners, binners, diverters, valoristes or something else, these prolific recyclers are essential to DRS success — yet bottle bills fail to recognize their contributions or open pathways to formal employment.”
At the Sure We Can redemption center in New York City, communal gardens and art create a welcoming vibe. Photo by Carlos Rivera.
“Both the material collected and the work of collecting and responsibly handling it are valuable. That should be recognized.”
Cooperative les Valoristes accepts refillable wine bottles as part of a partnership with an external funder. Photo courtesy of CLV.
“As often happens, ‘modernization’ means automation, while manual sorting work generates low-barrier jobs. It’s also faster, more reliable, fosters social interaction and accepts damaged containers, which can’t go into the machines. ”
Kristofer Brown (right foreground), who has worked as a canner, manages the People’s Depot in Portland, Oregon. Photo by Mac Smiff.
“Respect is vital for a just transition to a circular economy.”
