I think one of the reasons for returnable cans and bottles is to teach children about money and work. Many people I know once ran the can business in their household as children.
EDIT: This requires grocery stores to take return bottles, I'm not sure if I would let my children to a hobo-filled recycling center.
EDIT: This requires grocery stores to take return bottles, I'm not sure if I would let my children to a hobo-filled recycling center.