"Scrounging through other people’s trash for useable stuff is common in many countries, a spontaneous form of recycling that long predates blue bins." UK: Birm

"Scrounging through other people’s trash for useable stuff is common in many countries, a spontaneous form of recycling that long predates blue bins." UK: Birmingham. No deposit on bottles here but some recycling companies will pay very small amounts for aluminium drink cans. We have a bit of a hierarchy going on Scavengers: people going through wheelie bins and making a mess looking for cans &c. Often homeless. Collectors: cans and metal objects. I often see a couple out with prams early in the morning collecting stuff. Not obviously homeless. Rag and bone men: flat lorries going around collecting old fridges and washing machines and other kinds of stuff, usually metal In Digbeth there is a day centre and residential block for older Chinese people. Always a hot meal at lunchtime, looks popular. Perhaps one of the Churches should start a day centre and organise voluntary activities?