Bronx: Trash Collections Add Up In Down Economy
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For some Bronx residents, scraping together a few nickels and dimes has taken on a new meaning as they hit the streets in search of added income. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.The wood is piling up and that means some extra green for those who collect pallets or skids. At Pooran Pallets in Hunts Point, the owner says business has picked up during the recession as folks look to redeem the skids for cash rewards.
"You know people don't get enough money, so they go around and pick up the pallets and bring it over here to sell it. So they get some extra change in their pocket," said Pooran Pallets owner Zaimool Pooran.
Products that are shipped in bulk often rest on pallets. Discarded skids are usually picked up by collectors who sell them to pallet companies. They are then fixed up and resold to other companies.
Due to a surplus of pallets this summer, Pooran actually pays about $1.25 for a used pallet, where he used to pay $1.75. Not too happy about that, collectors say it's still worth the effort.
"Sometimes maybe two or three hundred dollars a week.
yeah besides your pay check," said one pallet collector.
Then there's collecting cans and bottles for the five cent refund. At a collection center along the Bruckner Expressway, many residents line up with their shopping carts and bags full of cans.
"My job went down the tubes, I'm doing this on the side to help me get a little extra cash, to help with getting things some people take for granted," said one can collector. "I feel kind of poorly about it. In the long run it helps out."
"It helps me out to pay my bills. It helps me to go out," said another can collector.
Some people did not want to appear on camera because they say they actually have jobs and collect cans on the side to bring in extra money. One man says he is a security guard on the overnight shift and collects cans during the day.
Some say they can collect hundreds of dollars worth of cans and bottles a month.
There's also a way to save a couple of bucks for those who own cars. At a car wash off of the Sheridan Expressway, ladies get $2 off every Tuesday.
"I think it is great. It is a great idea, give us $2 off we can use it during this recession," said Bronx Resident Wendoly Pantaleon.
"Two dollars is two dollars, come on, you know," said Bronx resident Lillian Thomas.
But the big question remains -- when will men get $2 off at the car wash?