The Can Man recycles to help support his family
Larry Lawrence, 62, turned to can collecting after losing his job as a janitor.
“In December 2008, I lost some of my eyesight because of a detached retina. Then in January, after I had worked 30 years with a company, they eliminated my position as a janitor. I ended up going on disability and I’ve been on it ever since.
“I don’t get much, maybe $40 to $50 a week, but it helps keep me and my wife going. She’s on disability, too. She has a bad heart and she’s had cancer a couple times.
“After I lost my job, I knew I had to do something. I wasn’t just going to sit around and give up. So a friend of mine said, ‘Why don’t you pick up cans?’ Well, guess what? I’ve been doing it for about five years now. People around this part of town call me The Can Man.
“I collect cans and turn them in at the recycling place. My son usually takes me over there. When I started, you could get 50 cents a pound. It’s 30 cents a pound now.
“My wife and I live on that and our disability. It gets tough. By the time you pay all the bills, you’ve got nothing left. But we both have insurance. I can’t complain too much. We’re doing all right.”
— Larry Lawrence
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(Note: Larry Lawrence passed away on Jan. 24, 2021.)
