Kajal Nisha Patel

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Weighting - cash for trash
The rubbish is weighed and exchanged for the appropriate amount of cash. The price of trash fluctuates daily, so figures are vague until they reach the depot. Many of the pithawallas (depot owners), act as loansharks, so the women are tied to that particular depot until their debt is paid. The majority of women are unable to read and write, and are therefore unable to calculate the amount of "interest" they owe. Figures of 60,000rupees have been logged as outstanding debt for one individual.* Based on the a saving of 5rupees per day, it would take almost 33 years to pay this debt. The rag picker women live hand to mouth, so earn just enough to feed and clothe their families.