The difficult times caused by the economic downturn are forcing some Bronx residents to collect cans and bottles to put food on the table.

Many area residents say it is a sign of the times. One man says he recently saw a former coworker have to resort to collecting cans.

Residents getting by this way say it is a numbers game, with the ability to make $120 daily a reasonable possibility. However, most who collect cans aren't able to make that much.