Rubber Trash Picking – another occupation in Nigeria
Most of us are used to the habit of throwing away the container of almost everything we use. Well, in some Nigerian homes, we get to convert a really good container into putting something else. I remember when I was a kid, I converted the empty container of my Pears cream into the place I store the beads for my hair. Some others convert the empty container into putting their ogili okpei, crayfish and other spices for cooking.
But, no matter what, there are always some containers we still have to throw away. The good thing to know is that, those things we call trash are sources of income for others.
The rubber trash pickers are those involved in picking rubber trash from dustbins and selling them to companies. These companies recycle the trash and use them to produce new rubbers, which at the end, we go to the market to buy them as new products – the entire process repeats itself.
I was walking down the street, and I decided to go and have a little talk with these people.
Most of them have been involved in this business for about 2-10 years while others are newcomers. Read up what they said about the business.
When I asked one of the women from Ebonyi state if the business was lucrative, this was what she said;
The business is not too lucrative, but that’s what I use to pass time. I do not base only on this, most times, if I see farm-work, I usually go for it.
Then, I asked another man from Enugu state the same question, and this was his response;
The business is good and that’s what I have been using to train my children. (The two response shows that people see things differently)
One of these big sacks is 50 kg and when it is filled with abandoned rubber they sell it for about ₦2,000 to the companies – read about the Recycling companies here
They advised other Nigerians that instead of them to be idle, it is better they begin to do something or even come and join this business.
What do you have to say about this occupation? Share your ideas in the comment box below.
You should also read about the Roadside chef; another occupation in Nigeria
Click here to save this Post as PDF
Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this website.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very hard to get
that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appeal.
I must say you’ve done a amazing job with this. In addition, the blog loads
very fast for me on Chrome. Excellent Blog!
Thanks a lot.
I appreciate your acknowledgement.
I’m proud of you. Keep it up. Nice Blog!
Thank you so much Nkechi. I appreciate.
You are welcome
Waste scavenging is really becoming increasing popular. In general, it helps to keep the environment clean, for others , it’s a source of employment. However, most see it as a dirty man’s job with a very low income. A good knowledge of the business is important for a change.
Yes sure. One mans Trash is another mans Jewel.