The workers who collect empty bottles and cans from the city's streets and trash bins want state lawmakers to double the refunds they get from recycling containers from 5 cents to 10 cents, which would be the first boost in 40 years.

The independent recyclers — known as canners or lateros in Spanish — say the COVID-19 pandemic and the arrival of new migrants increased competition among can collectors as workers struggle with finding steady jobs and grapple with rising rents, food prices and evictions.

A new report released last week found canners earn an average of $5 an hour — a third of the city’s minimum wage — and nearly half are between 50 and 65 years old.

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