In the bustling city of Hong Kong, elderly residents, often referred to as ‘cardboard grannies,’ navigate the streets collecting discarded cardboard to earn a living. Despite the city’s wealth, many of these individuals are in their 70s or older, working long hours for meager pay.
Economic Struggles in a Wealthy City
Hong Kong is one of Asia’s richest cities, yet it has a significant elderly population living in poverty. According to a 2024 report by Oxfam Hong Kong, approximately 580,000 elderly people in the city are struggling financially. The government provides a small monthly allowance, but for many, it is insufficient to cover the high cost of living.
These elderly scavengers, like Wu Sau-jing, 71, work grueling hours, starting as early as 2am and finishing around 11am. Wu describes her work as both a livelihood and a hobby, despite the physical demands. On average, these workers earn about $12 a day, barely enough for two meals.
Challenges in the Recycling Industry
The recycling industry in Hong Kong has seen a decline in payment rates for cardboard, exacerbating the financial difficulties faced by these elderly workers. Lai, another collector in her 70s, notes that her earnings have halved over the past year, with recycling companies now offering only HK$0.3 ($0.038) per kilogram, down from the government’s recommended minimum of HK$0.6 ($0.078).
For some, the situation is even more dire. Chan Ngai-kan, 95, experienced a setback when the recycling center she frequented stopped accepting cardboard, forcing her to dispose of her collection without any compensation. With her children living abroad, she relies on this income for survival.
A Wasteful City
Hong Kong generates about 1.51 kg of waste per capita daily, surpassing other Asian cities like Tokyo and Seoul. However, only 30%-40% of this waste is recycled, highlighting inefficiencies in the city’s waste management system.
Despite the challenges, individuals like Cheung, 80, continue their work without a fixed schedule, collecting cardboard whenever possible. For many, this work has become a part of their daily routine, providing not just income but also a sense of purpose.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
