In the US, many poor (or even homeless) people add to their incomes by recycling beer cans

They take the cans to a recycler who pays in cash.

Some parts of the county require an ID. Others requires a signature. Some areas (like mine) are "no questions asked".

No difference whether it is aluminum, copper or silver. Joe Public is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to the cops that he is committing a crime.

Not paying a homeless man in cash eliminates him from selling a commodity that others can sell: those who have bank accounts.

That is unfair, immoral and unconstitutional.