Eco-friendly hustle: Tunisians earn income by gathering and recycling plastic on hot streets

Slim Ben Romdhane is one of the few in Tunisia who does

not count hours at work. Early in the morning, he leaves his

neighborhood to collect plastic bottles. After years in the streets, he

has learned to endure the extreme summer heat and the difficult working

conditions. Collecting and recycling plastic is a tiring job, yet

Romdhane is proud of his work.

"I'm saving the

environment and putting food on the table for my family. I'm a free and

independent man. Young people must work hard instead of complaining and

relying on the state for jobs. There is plenty of work in Tunisia. One

should not be ashamed to earn a living," said Romdhane.

There

is a collecting competition going on, and Romdhane is seizing the

opportunity to gather as much plastic as he can in two days.

"Many people understand that recycling is important for

the community and the whole country while others do not care about the

environment. I'm happy to I see people who respect my work," said

Romdhane.

Last week, Romdhane's motorbike was stolen

near his house in the suburbs of Tunis. He was unable to work for a few

days. Romdhane's cousin Seif Arrabi came from a distant town to help him

collect and transport plastic bottles.

The cousins now work together and share a ride. Arrabi drives, whlile Romdhane looks for plastic near dustbins.

"I

came to Tunis to help out my cousin. I had no idea about this job. Now I

like it. I might end up recycling and selling plastic for the next

coming years. It's a decent job. It's better than being unemployed,''

said Arrabi.

In some Tunisian cities, it has become

unusual to see plastic bottles in the streets because every day,

thousands of men and women cross miles to collect, sell and recycle

plastic.