Building Circular Neighbourhoods, One Can at a Time.

Can Companion proposes small, purposeful urban interventions that make collecting recyclables easier and dignified. By equipping the public realm with simple, hygienic bin attachments, anyone can safely gather valuable recyclables.

Building Circular Neighbourhoods, One Can at a Time

Image of the Can Companion protype. It has the logo printed on one side.

“ Abundance is fueled by constantly circulating materials ”

-Robin Wall Kimmerer

Robin Wall Kimmerer reminds us that abundance is fuelled through circularity, reinforcing the belief that genuine sustainability hinges on keeping resources in motion rather than letting them end up in landfills. In our neighbourhoods, informal collectors move from park to park, bin to bin, gathering cans and bottles for cash. Their modest effort interrupts the linear waste flow, yet they remain marginalised and often lack recognition or safe working conditions. Can Companion envisions small, purposeful interventions in the built environment that amplify their impact while protecting their dignity. This is a grassroots movement that deliberately challenges the product‑to‑landfill pathway, encouraging residents to view waste as a shared resource. We can equip existing bins and street furniture with simple, hygienic attachments that let anyone pick up recyclables safely and efficiently. By fostering inclusive participation, we create a  circular neighbourhood where every resident, regardless of role, contributes to a sustainable loop of material reuse.


Social Inclusion

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Circular Economy

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Stewardship

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Social Inclusion * Circular Economy * Stewardship *

An image of the Can Companion protyope attached to a pole. It is a cylindrical shape made out of metal and there are cans inside it.
An image of the Can Companion protyope attached to a pole. It is a cylindrical shape made out of metal and there are cans inside it.

For three years in a row, we have hosted a Jane’s Walk titled “Exploring Circularity in the City” to engage with our community on what a less wasteful city means to the. In 2026, we launched a prototype of Can Companion to gather feedback and test the design.

We asked walkers what they thought of the design and where it would have the most impact.

Where would a Can Companion have most impact?

Links and Resources

The Ontario Deposit Return Program allows customers to return empty beverage alcohol containers for a refund on the deposit that was paid at purchase. Since its introduction in 2007, over 18 billion alcohol containers (about 3.2 million tonnes worth) have been kept out of the province's landfills, instead being recycled through the Ontario Deposit Return Program. Starting January 1, 2026, grocery stores must participate in the Ontario Deposit Return Program.

Ontario Community Changemakers (OCC) is a leadership and micro-grant program created for Ontario residents to help spark new ideas and invigorate change in their local communities. In its sixth year, the program supports leaders from diverse ages, backgrounds and lived experiences to deliver their own creative projects that will activate public space, enhance civic engagement, and/or foster social inclusion. Can Companion is part of the 2025-2026 cohort of changemaker projects.

This maps showed the nearest Beer Store location or other authorized locations in your community to return empties. Please contact the site directly for information on operating hours.

Can Companion is mindful of these locations when considering where the bin attachment would be most impactful.

Get In Touch

In the early days of Can Companion, we are looking for ways to grow our project. If you're interested in supporting us, partnering with us, or simply sharing your thoughts, fill out this form!