What if your empty soda cans could help feed a hungry cat, vaccinate a kitten, or get a community cat neutered?
That's the idea behind Cans for Cats, a community recycling fundraiser from Despurate House Cats.
As a volunteer-run cat rescue in New Milford, Connecticut, we're always looking for practical ways to fund the work we do. Between medical bills, food, medications, and spay/neuter surgeries, caring for cats adds up quickly. Cans for Cats gives our neighbors an easy way to help, without having to reach for their wallets.
Your recycling can make a real difference.
How Your Cans Help Cats
Connecticut's 10-cent bottle and can deposits add up. Instead of letting those returnables go to waste, we're turning them into resources for cats who need them.
Here's what your contributions can help provide:
10 cans = 1 can of cat food
300 cans = 1 bag of cat food OR 1 vaccine
1,000 cans = 1 cat neuter
That's right. A thousand cans can help prevent an unwanted litter before it ever happens.
Every container counts, whether you're contributing a handful or filling bins regularly.
How Cans for Cats Works
We've made participating as easy as possible.
Participating households can receive:
A collection bin for eligible returnable cans and bottles.
An electronic NFC tag for quick access with a compatible smartphone.
A QR code that links directly to our pickup scheduling page.
Simply collect your eligible returnables, scan the QR code or tap your NFC tag, and schedule a pickup directly from your home. We'll come get them!
No driving around, hauling bags to a redemption center, or coordinating drop-offs.
Why We're Doing This
Despurate House Cats doesn't just focus on finding homes for adoptable cats. We also work to help community cats through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), provide medical care to cats who might otherwise be overlooked, and take on cases that aren't always easy or inexpensive.
TNR is one of the most effective ways to address community cat populations humanely. Every cat spayed or neutered helps prevent future litters, reducing the cycle of unwanted kittens and preventable suffering.
Fundraising for this work doesn't always have to involve a donation button. Sometimes it starts with an empty can.
Get Involved!
You don't need to be a cat person to participate (although we certainly won't complain if you are).
If you're in our surrounding community and would like to participate, reach out to us. We'd love to get a collection bin and your own pickup access set up.
Have neighbors, friends, or family who might want to participate? Spread the word!
Together, we can turn something most people throw away into something that makes a difference.
One can at a time. One less hungry cat. One less unwanted litter.
Cans for Cats is brought to you by Despurate House Cats.