With more than 300 collected signatures of citizens who supported a Petition for legalization of work of individual scrap collectors, Green initiative started its activity on networking, strengthening and legalization of work of scavengers, as a part of its sixteen month activity on improvement of waste system in Serbia.

Although, according to estimations, scavengers collect 75 % of total waste that is being recycled in Serbia, they belong to the poorest social category. Scavengers work day last 11 hours in average, and most of scavengers does not have work equipment or tools. Scavengers contribution, as an oldest and unavoidable actor in waste management system is of great importance, but not fairly recognized. Purchase price, given to scavengers, has not been increasing for years along with the price of other products and services. For 200 collected kilograms of paper, scavenger receives approximately about 500 RSD. On the other hand, from each kilogram of secondary raw materials, that collectors sell, they pay taxes of 29,9% for the budget of Republic of Serbia.

  A need for legalization of scavengers’ work and improvement of their work and living conditions, have also recognized citizens of Serbia, by joining and supporting a Petition which Green initiative had promoted at recently held Fair of environment in Belgrade. Petition will help creating legitimacy of Green initiative efforts to provide, in cooperation with Fund for protection of environment, a continuous support and funds for projects related to inclusion of individual scrap collectors into the legal chain in waste management system.