CAN Can Recycling is another of our vital social enterprises, we provide training for adults with learning disabilities, Autism and mental health issues to give them experience in a job environment.

Our trainees learn a range of skills, both in a working environment and socially, interacting with other trainees, staff and outside contractors. They also participate in accredited qualifications such as ASDAN, thus enabling many of them to successfully seek employment with our work enablement programme WE CAN.

The recycling unit also provides our charity with much-needed income. 100% of our income generated from the Recycling enterprise is invested back into our charity, supporting our local people with learning disabilities.

We collect recyclable waste within a 30 mile radius of Ballymoney, which includes not only collecting from approximately 120 businesses but also clothing banks and aluminum can banks. We also work closely in conjunction with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and thank them for their support in replacing and rebranding all our textile banks. Their new “Clothes Smart” initiative is promoted through our work too.

During 2018 alone, we processed over 290 tonnes of cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic, scrap metal and used clothing. Not only are we providing a crucial outlet for people with learning disabilities, we are doing our bit for the very fragile environment in which we live. We are providing a growing awareness of such environmental issues and diverting lots of waste from landfill.

We’re also very proud to announce that on the 26th of November 2019, our hardworking trainees and staff produced the 500th bale of the year, surpassing last year’s total with still a month to go!

In 2024, CAN expanded its textile recycling operations, taking on new textile banks from Greenlight Gateway in Ballycastle after their closure in mid-2023. We now service 44 textile banks across the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid & East Antrim, recycling over 100 tonnes of textiles annually — helping reduce landfill waste.

Unlike many charities, CAN collects and processes all donated textiles for our own shops, with strong support from local communities through our banks and stores in Ballymena, Ballymoney, and Coleraine. With the move to our new Lislagan base and support from DAERA, we’ve streamlined operations and created a clean, warm, and supportive workspace for staff and trainees.