Recycling! We are all encouraged to do it but individuals who try to redeem cans publicly are frowned upon and even said to be breaking a law (“Can collectors’ rummaging rankles Clark County residents,” The Columbian, Feb. 21). However, just across the bridges in Oregon, people can redeem cans for 10 cents each.
Clearly stated on the label of your favorite beverage are listed the states who will give you 5 cents for your empty can. Nowhere is it stated that the cans are the property of any garbage collection agency when empty.
Washington has overlooked how these cans can instill a healthy work ethic, give more control to elderly who have fixed incomes and give people living on the fringes of our society an opportunity to gain more self-esteem and help make ends meet. They can amount to extra money for groceries, medicine, and offset living costs.
When my husband and I were first married 30 years ago, we saved aluminum cans. When we had a full bag we would redeem it at the collection center and take our earnings to the grocery store. We treated ourselves to a steak dinner and felt pride.
We may have been poor by some people’s standards, but we had pride and faith that hard work does pay off, even one can at a time.
