Reclaim
Johannesburg
South Africa, 2021

Johannesburg generates tens of tons of waste every day, providing an insight into the urban lifestyle. In South Africa, recycling within households still has little priority. There is no oversight, creating opportunities for others to recycle waste on behalf of households. Waste collectors are a common sight on the streets of Johannesburg.

They pull large bags on improvised carts filled with plastic, cardboard, cans, paper and pieces of metal. Everything that is found along the road is of value. Although the work of the reclaimers is often seen as inferior, they play an integral role in the recycling process of the city.