Elderly Scavengers in Hong Kong Struggle to Survive Collecting Cardboard

In Hong Kong, elderly scavengers known as 'cardboard grannies' are facing increasing challenges as they collect discarded cardboard for cash. Many of these individuals, aged 70 and above, work grueling hours, often starting as early as 2 AM, to earn a meager income of around $12 a day. Despite the city's wealth, a 2024 Oxfam report revealed that 580,000 elderly residents live in poverty, with some relying on this work to supplement their small government allowances. The pay for collected cardboard has halved recently, and many face the risk of losing their hauls to municipal officials or being turned away from recycling centers. This precarious situation highlights the struggles of elderly individuals in one of the world's most expensive cities.

Key Details: • Elderly scavengers work from 2 AM to 11 AM to collect cardboard. • Average earnings have dropped to HK$100 ($12) per day. • 580,000 elderly residents in Hong Kong live in poverty according to Oxfam. • Recycling companies have reduced payment from HK$0.6 to HK$0.3 per kilogram. • Many elderly workers face confiscation of their collected items by officials.