Documentary Photography 

RECYCLING TO SURVIVE

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In Bangkok, waste pickers — locally known as “salengs” — collect recyclable materials from streets and garbage sites, contributing significantly to the city’s informal circular economy. Many are elderly workers who rely on daily collections of plastic, metal, and cardboard to earn a modest income.

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Despite their essential role in urban waste management, they face economic insecurity, health risks, and social stigma. Their work remains largely unrecognized, even as it supports environmental sustainability and resource recovery in Thailand’s capital.

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Bangkok, Thailand — March 22, 2024

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