An Oregon bottle law will be expanding to include more types of bottles and cans come the new year. That means for many that trade in their empty recyclables for cash, it could be much more lucrative in January.

For homeless man Kevin Maple, the law is a way forward and the invitation to a fresh start. As a recovering heroin addict who has struggled to keep himself afloat, finding bottles and cans are a source of income and a way of life.

“If I saw cans on the side of someone’s house, you’d be amazed how many people would just give it to you. You just go up there and knock and ask them ‘look I need to make a few bucks’ or ‘this is how I support myself.'”