Turning trash into cash

MANILA, Philippines - Even before the recession happened, used items are already being sold here in the Philippines. Pinoys have learned to love buying old clothes and shoes to save more from their budget. But now, even unusable items like underwear and cutleries such as spoons and forks are being sold on sidewalks, thus turning scavenging into a very lucrative job.

Today on GMA 7’s I-Witness, Sandra Aguinaldo looks into the business of recyclable trash and checks how the trade helps a lot of Filipinos endure the current economic crisis.

Aling Idang has been a scavenger at the Payatas dumpsite for almost 20 years. She says she has no choice but to go through the daily routine of collecting reusable garbage to provide for her grandchildren.

Whatever Aling Idang has collected for the day, vendor Inday buys. The single mother goes to the dumpsite every day to procure old bags, thoroughly cleaning them so she could sell them. Inday uses the money to sustain her son Tyson’s medication.