When we think of trash and recycling bins, the image is usually straightforward. They’re containers that hold our unused items, which are picked up by trashmen on a designated day.
But, in the eyes of Newtown’s Scott Coren and South Philadelphia’s Brian Rotter, they’re becoming a nuisance.
In recent months, the friends have witnessed bins littering the streets of their neighborhoods. Rather than being placed beside their respective homes, the receptacles are flung haphazardly in the middle of the road, or on next-door lawns and sidewalks.
“There are trash bins all over the streets in the city, and not only during the day, but some can be left out all weekend,” said Rotter.
“I thought to myself, why not come up with an idea where you actually take the bins in for the people so they don’t have to worry about it when they come home?,” added Coren.
He and Rotter founded CAN-IT Trash Bin Valet Service, which hauls residents’ empty trash and recycling bins back to their property, whether it’s the garage, top of the driveway or by the side of the house. One-, two- and three-year service plans are available. The cost is less than $30 per month and there is no limit on the number of bins CAN-IT will take care of.
“Whether you have one bin or 10 bins, we are here to provide a much-needed service,” said Coren. “We feel this is a great service for elderly people who can have a tough time dragging in their empty bins.”
According to Coren, not only are the stray bins an eyesore, they’re a safety hazard. Cars are forced to swerve to avoid running over them, and an unreturned bin gives the impression a homeowner is not around.
“You don’t know who’s in the neighborhood. If they see a bin sitting out all day long, they could drive by your house three or four times and it looks like you’re not home,” said Coren. “So, someone could break into your house knowing you’re not home. Someone could steal something off your property. If you’re bringing these bins back in, it sort of looks like somebody’s home.”
Currently, CAN-IT serves Feasterville, Newtown, Yardley, Holland and Richboro, as well as Philadelphia, though Coren and Rotter are willing to travel anywhere in both Bucks County and the city if someone requests the service.
Coren has hired his teenage son and several friends, all of whom have been craving social interaction and a sense of purpose as virtual learning continues.
“It’s a good afterschool job. You just go there and do it, they’re not going to be driving around for hours,” Coren said. “These kids are missing out on so much right now. A lot of them are just sitting home all day. I’m building something to get a job for them as well.”
CAN-IT’s website is now available at canitvalet.com. Here, interested residents can view the different plans, sign up and let Coren and Rotter know their designated trash/recycling collection days. CAN-IT typically arrives that day, or early the following morning at the latest. Additionally, a service has been added that offers trash take-out for businesses, apartment complexes and over 55 communities.
“We’re definitely a service that could help the elderly, help the disabled. Basically, it can help everyone,” said Coren. “If people are just tired of coming home and seeing bins laying around all day, we’re a service that comes and does it for you. We clean up the neighborhood.”
Call 267-269-2553 or email [email protected] for additional information.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
