There’s a sign posted outside the United We Can bottle depot on East Hastings warning binners one of their own was beaten up in the West End two weeks ago.
The sign warns that two men in their 20s, bald, approximately six feet tall and wearing baseball caps have been targeting can collectors in the West End.
“One of the binners that frequents our operation told us about this situation, basically saying that they had witnessed this happen and had interceded and the two fellows took off,” said Brian Dodd, executive director of United We Can, adding he didn’t think the person was seriously injured.
“I can’t verify its validity, but I’d rather err on the side of caution and if there is something like that going on out there I want people to be aware of it.”
The Vancouver Police Department says they haven’t heard anything, but hope the police would be notified if it did happen.
“We would really encourage [binners] to flag an officer down or talk to one of the beat officers who walk Davie Street, Granville, wherever they may be,” said VPD Constable Lindsey Houghton.
“A lot of the can collectors frequent that area and they develop relationships on a first name basis with a lot of the officers.”
Houghton says violence against binners by others is not common, but violence between binners is.
It’s something Julie Chapman, who’s been collecting cans off and on for five years, sees all to often.
“I never thought I’d see the day that I’d see people actually physically hurt each other over empties, but it’s getting that bad down here,” said Chapman, who added fights are usually over perceived territory infringement.
Randy Pandora has been binning for over 10 years,
however, and he’s had some brushes with violence.
“Young punks. They’re obviously drunk and stupid, but you’re not going to say anything,” said Pandora.
“The best thing to do is you keep your head down, you let it slide like water off a duck, because there’s nothing you could say. Somebody’s got an attitude, I’m not going to change their thinking in 30 seconds before they go and punch me.”
Dodd says he’ll probably take the sign down now that most of his regulars have seen it. But he says he hopes they take the warning to heart.
“A lot of our folks work at night, so I suggest going into well-lit areas — luckily so many bins in the Vancouver-core are so well lit. And if you do see somebody coming from the opposite direction that you feel intimidated by, then leave the area.”
