Phoenix Redemption Center Makes A Difference
by Submitted article | May 19, 2026 10:02 am
“We had an account somewhere else,” says Deb Young, co-director of KittyCorner of CNY. “No matter how many people we sent in with returnable cans and bottles, they gave us less than $75 per year. Can Make Money Redemption makes honest, accurate counts and we end up with that much almost every month.”
Like over twenty other local non profits, the cat rescue and rehoming organization in Liverpool sends their members and fans to the redemption center in Three Rivers Plaza in Phoenix to donate their bottles and cans.
“We process approximately 12,000 units each weekday, and 20,000 on Saturdays,” says Margie, manager at Can Make Money Redemption. “Between individuals redeeming for money, and people donating to our non profit organizations, we can have people waiting for counts if it’s busy. I’d like to see more organizations take advantage of our services, though.”
Two years ago, Can Make Money Redemption took over the space vacated when another redemption center closed. It has earned the business of many local and not-so-local residents. Some people travel from surrounding towns to do business with Margie and her staff. Several non profits have donation programs here as well.
“We have many animal rescue organizations we collect for, as well as fire departments, churches, sports teams and booster clubs, and civic organizations. Those nickels really add up.”
New York State began requiring redemption of legally marked bottles and cans on July 1st, 1983. Each year approximately 4.8 billion cans and bottles are kept out of landfills in the state, based on a 2024 study. And this is with just over 66% of state residents participating.
“Think of what it’s like in states that don’t have a redemption program,” Margie says. “Our units are sent to locations all over the world for recycling. The volume of plastics and metals that are reclaimed could be so much more if all states participated!”
An older gentleman who declined to give his name dropped off several bags of recyclables. “I donate all my bottles to Erin’s Angels,” he said, talking about the non profit organization with headquarters next door in the plaza. “I appreciate how easy it is to give to a program that helps make sure kids in Oswego County stay fed.”
“People arrive with half a bag, or even pull up hauling literal wagons full of returnables,” says Margie. She’s taking a break from sorting, and petting her chihuahua Ginger. “It’s a great feeling, being able to help. Yes, it’s nice to be able to hand over a few hundred dollars to a non profit, but it feels even better when you hand over five dollars to the individual who really, really needs it. Their returnables may be the difference in deciding between food and medicine this week.”
Can Make Money Redemption
219 County Route 57
3 Rivers Plaza
Phoenix NY 13135
PHONE: +1 315-934-0134
CanMakeMoneyRedemption.com
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Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/phoenix-redemption-center-makes-a-difference/