The hard work of scrap metal

STO - The harsh sun of May is not only a challenge for outdoor workers but also a hardship for those who make a living by collecting and buying scrap. They are quiet people, who wander the streets and markets every day to collect and buy old items, plastic bottles, and scrap paper in the hope of earning enough money to support their families.

Making a living in the hot sun

In the middle of a bustling, modern city with high-rise buildings, few people pay attention to the hard-working people who walk every day on every big street and small alley, their hoarse cries echoing in the midday sun: “Who sells bottles, plastic bags…”. But behind that familiar sound is the story of the harsh livelihood of those who work hard, and the hot season only makes that journey even more arduous.

I met a man over 60 years old who buys scrap metal in an alley on Tran Van Bay Street, Soc Trang City. After chatting with him, I found out that his name is Chau Anh, from Ward 5 , Soc Trang City (Soc Trang), who has been in the business of buying scrap metal for several decades. Mr. Anh confided: “ Because life was difficult, more than 20 years ago, my wife and I went to Binh Duong province to earn a living. However, while returning to our rented room, my wife and I unfortunately had a traffic accident and had to stay there for 3 months for treatment. After our health recovered, we returned to our hometown to start a business with an old cart, starting to pick up and buy scattered plastic bags, boxes, and scrap paper to make a living. The reason I chose this job is because it does not require much capital, just need to buy a cart, an old bicycle, an old scale, a few sacks and a few hundred thousand in your pocket to be able to practice. At first, there were many days when I went home empty-handed because I was too shy to ask people. But then I got used to it, any job that earns money is not hard. Just thinking about my children gives me the motivation to overcome it.”

The hardships of those who make a living by collecting and buying scrap metal. Photo: THACH PICCH

The job of collecting and buying scrap is not simply collecting things that other people throw away. It is a job that requires endurance, patience and courage. Every day, from early morning to late afternoon, people who collect and buy scrap have to travel dozens of kilometers, rummaging through piles of trash, going to each house to buy scrap. They not only face harsh weather but also have to endure unfriendly looks. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hue (65 years old), Ward 3, Soc Trang city shared: "This season is very hot, uncle, going out on the street for a while makes you sweat, but if you don't work, how can you live? Every day, you have to earn at least 50,000 - 100,000 VND to have enough money for food and water."

For the elderly, this work becomes even more arduous. Tired legs, calloused hands, sorting scrap, they still cannot stop because of the burden of family. Mrs. Thach Thi Suong (67 years old) in Ward 5, Soc Trang city said: “This season is very tiring. One day while cycling in the middle of the road, I suddenly felt dizzy, had to pull over to rest for a while. I am old, if I don’t work, how will I have income to cover family expenses?”

Danger lurks

In addition to the physical hardship, people who make a living by collecting and buying scrap metal also face many dangers. They are often exposed to garbage and sharp objects that can cause injury, not to mention traffic accidents when traveling on crowded roads. This makes the work of those who collect and buy scrap metal more difficult than ever. Many people have to work under direct sunlight without shelter, leading to heatstroke and exhaustion.

In addition to weather factors, the job of collecting and buying scrap metal also faces difficulties from society. Ms. Lam Thi Hoa, in Ward 2, Soc Trang city, lamented: “In the past, I only had to go around the neighborhood to find items to pick up, but now I have to go to the outskirts, which is both far and tiring. Moreover, the unstable price of scrap is also a big pressure. In recent days, the price of aluminum, iron, and plastic has decreased, while the cost of living has increased. There are days when I collect all day and earn a few tens of thousands of dong, but after deducting expenses, there is not much left.”

Despite the difficulties, those who collect and buy scrap metal still maintain an optimistic spirit and the will to overcome. Ms. Hoa said: “Whenever I feel tired, I often think of my children’s smiles to continue with my job. Seeing my children go to school and achieve good results at the end of the school year, I feel all the hardships disappear.”

Although the job of collecting and buying scrap metal is hard, it is still the source of livelihood for many poor workers. Their hardships are proof of a persistent and silent will to live. They do not need anyone to honor them, they just hope that one day they will have enough food and clothes and their children will not have to follow their difficult path, and that is enough to make them happy.

STONE

Source: https://baosoctrang.org.vn/doi-song-xa-hoi/202505/nhoc-nhan-nghe-ve-chai-50147d1/