What do las pepenadores do?
Las pepenadoras, often referred to as "las pepenadores," are women who work as waste pickers or garbage collectors in informal recycling sectors in Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico. They are responsible for searching and collecting recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, cardboard, metal, and paper from waste dumps, landfills, and the streets. Their work primarily involves scavenging through garbage to extract materials that can be sold to recycling companies to earn a living.
Las pepenadoras play a crucial role in waste management and recycling processes, as they help divert recyclable materials from landfills and contribute to reducing environmental pollution. Despite the challenging and sometimes dangerous working conditions, these women often work tirelessly to support themselves and their families by recycling and selling reusable waste.