You’ve likely seen people around the city collecting cans and bottles to redeem for five cent bottle deposits.

But bottle redemption machines outside supermarkets can only handle so much of what they have gathered.

That’s where Chris Hartmann comes in.

Hartmann is a volunteer at Sure We Can, a Bushwick nonprofit organization that helps canners get paid for their findings.

“Not only are they cleaning up their environment, they’re contributing economically to their community,” he said. “Around the world, as well as here in New York City, informal recyclers, their, their value is not recognized, and oftentimes they’re pushed and left to the margins."

Hartmann started with Sure We Can in 2017. He had studied the canning system in Nicaragua in college.

“I wanted to continue my interests in informal recycling and just get to know New York City and New York City residents a lot better,” he said.

The Morningside Heights resident now co-chairs the nonprofit’s board of directors and helps Sure We Can secure grant money.

“Shed light on canners and the important work that they do, and also to support them in their work so they no longer live and work in the shadows,” Hartmann said.

Canners who help process their findings at Sure We Can get an extra three and a half cents per item. The organization holds winter coat and Thanksgiving turkey distributions, advocates for them in political settings, provides shelter to sort through their items and offers hot drinks on cold days.

Hartman knows that people who turn to canning are often in tight economic situations. He hopes his work at Sure We Can lifts people up.

“Highlight the work canners are doing and the importance of their work, not only to the environment but also for economic change and contributions to their community," he said.

For unbottling opportunities for city canners, Chris Hartmann is our New Yorker of the Week.