I discovered a couple of years ago that a slight man on a bicycle peruses through the recycle bins when we put them out every other Tuesday. He shows up at first light, which is around 6:30 a.m. currently and about an hour earlier when the summer comes. I put out the recycling the night before so it will be curbside when he comes around.
This morning as I bring the trash bag to the sidewalk, I call down the street to him, letting him know that I have a lot of salvageable cans and bottles for him. He waves back to me. I'm not certain he speaks English. I see this week that he has brought a young girl with him, a daughter or granddaughter, perhaps. They are both wearing fluorescent safety vests. This relieves me. I know they will be visible on the streets with these vests.
I do not know if my recyclables yield them any treasures because I leave for work while they are still canvassing my street, and the bins are empty from the truck collection by the time I get home. I hope my small contribution helps him. I know it helps me. Sure, I could return those bottles and cans, but truthfully I do not want to. I have no place to store them until I have enough worth returning, and I consider it a small but honest donation to someone who hopefully appreciates it.
