One of four persons in Argentina is unemployed in the wake of the nation's recent economic meltdown. Hundreds of people in Buenos Aires, the capital city, are trying to support themselves and their families by scavenging recyclable materials from the garbage. Scavenging, however, is a marginal, disreputable and unhealthy activity that is subject to police prosecution.

In Buenos Aires, trucks pick-the up garbage between the hours of 8 p.m. and midnight, so scavengers hit the streets in the evening despite the fact that scavenging is illegal. Lacking childcare, parents often take children with them – who may be too tired to attend school during the day as a result.

The El Ceibo Cooperative of Goods and Services for Recyclers was organized in 2000 to integrate this marginalized group into the labor force by bringing dignity and decent living standards to scavengers, and by legalizing their activities. It encourages use of the term "recycler" rather than scavenger ("cirujas") to promote self-esteem and a recognition that recyclers provide an important service to the community.

For more information, see Development Outreach magazine, Winter 2002