Waste pickers battle for recognition at plastic treaty talks

FILE - A man uses his pedicab to transport used plastic containers along a flooded street in Valenzuela city, Philippines, 2 August 2023. AP - Aaron Favila

Busan (AFP) – As diplomats negotiate behind closed doors in the South Korean city of Busan on a treaty to curb plastic pollution, the waste pickers who are on the front lines of the problem are fighting for recognition.

Between 20 and 34 million people are believed to work as waste pickers worldwide, playing a crucial role in recovering recyclable material.