BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. -- Every penny helps. That's the attitude for most people who came to redeem their cans and bottles.

The owner of Can Man said she's seen about twice as many containers come in as she usually does in the winter. The reason why is a problem that's affected most people in the Southern Tier.

"I think the majority of it is the economy being low and people losing their jobs and stuff. People are just hurting for money. People just need money to survive on, and I think that's what helping us out a lot," said Susan Dillenbeck, owner of Can Man.

It's the same story over in Binghamton. Dennis Hart opened up NickelBack less than month ago and saw his numbers skyrocket from 500 a day to about 9,000

"I'm surprised at the speed in which it became popular. My training wheels are barely off and I'm running already," said Hart.

Five cents apiece might not sound like much, but people say it adds up, and especially in these economic times every little bit counts, and that extra spending money comes in very handy.

"It mainly goes on gas, stuff like that, food. It really helps out. I wouldn't get back and forth to work if it didn't help," said Chris Thogode, a Johnson City resident.

"A lot of people, they're on unemployment, just like me. They need that extra cash to support their families," said Lenny Card, another Johnson City resident.

John Hahn also lives in Johnson City. He comes to Can Man to turn in his containers once or twice a month.

"I don't pass it up. A nickel's a nickel. It adds up. I'm probably $10-$20, doesn't seem like a large amount. I put it back in the gas tank. I get to go out and enjoy the outdoors," said Hahn.

And some who already exchange their cans for money are trying to tell others to do the same.

"I see people throwing their cans and bottles away on the side of the road. I was like 'don't do that, that's a nickel, in your pocket' and they say 'you know what, that's right,'" said Michelle Orlowske, a Johnson City resident.

You can also redeem your cans and bottles at most major grocery stores, but Dillenbeck and Hart say at their redemption centers you don't have deal with machines.