Fact Check: "Waste pickers earn only 25 cents per kilogram of plastic collected."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Colombian waste pickers are indeed facing significant financial challenges. During a protest in Bogota, waste pickers highlighted their plight, stating that they are currently paid only about 25 cents per kilogram of plastic collected. This figure was confirmed by Jorge Ospina, the president of the ARAUS waste pickers association, who noted that due to a drop in prices from recycling plants—from approximately 75 cents to 50 cents per kilogram—he could only afford to pay waste pickers this reduced rate (AP News, ABC News).
The protest involved around 100 waste pickers who gathered in Plaza Bolivar to demand better wages and working conditions, emphasizing the critical role they play in waste management and recycling in Colombia. They collect materials that are often overlooked by municipal waste services, which primarily focus on organic waste (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that waste pickers earn only 25 cents per kilogram of plastic collected is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and ABC News both reported on the same protest and cited Jorge Ospina's statements regarding the current payment rates for waste pickers (AP News, ABC News).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The context provided by these reports also indicates systemic issues affecting waste pickers, such as competition from imported plastics and fluctuating market prices, which contribute to their low earnings (AP News, ABC News).
Additionally, a separate report from Prishtina Insight corroborates that in similar contexts, waste collectors are paid around 25 cents per kilogram for various materials, including plastics (Prishtina Insight). This suggests that the figure is not isolated to Colombia but reflects a broader trend in informal waste collection sectors.
Conclusion
The claim that waste pickers earn only 25 cents per kilogram of plastic collected is True. This conclusion is based on multiple credible sources that confirm the current payment rates and the economic challenges faced by waste pickers in Colombia. The evidence indicates that these workers are significantly underpaid, which has prompted public protests to advocate for fair compensation.
