Recyclers Fear for their Profession

Recyclers protest on Jimenez Ave., in La Candelaria.

These recyclers, or trash pickers, object to Decree 596, passed a few years ago, which is supposed to formalize the recyclers' work. However, the resolution requires recyclers to form themselves into associations in order to sell what they collect. It also enables large companies to bid for recycling contracts - which trash pickers fear will put them out of business.

The city also plans to create several trash classification stations, where things like paper, plastic, glass and metals are to be separated for recycling. The informal recyclers fear being cut out of the process, altho city officials assert that they will be included.

A businessman, and presumably and exploiter of the poor recyclers.

Ridiculing 'Ciudad Limpia,' one of the corporate traash collectors.

'Down with Decree 596!'

'Now that trash is valuables, we recyclers are trash.'

A recycling family.

'Recyclers united against the public bidding.'

By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours