Collecting to Survive at Bantar Gebang waste landfill

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.

A report on the workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill in Bekasi, East Jakarta. Villagers from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Bekasi, Indonesia. 05/02/2009.

The Workers of Bantar Gebang Waste Landfill

The Bantar Gebang waste landfill has been recognised as the largest landfill in the Indonesian Islands. Established in 1989 in Bekasi, East Jakarta, an area that was predominately forest land, now 20 years later an industry based around the unwanted refuse of other's has been created. The landfill's growth and expansion led to the formation of a village, as other landfills in the Jakarta area closed down, the amount of refuse trucked into Bantar Gebang increased from 3,000 tones to 5,000 tones per day.

Villager's from around Java moved to the Bekasi area on the promise of work, sorting through mountains of rubbish looking for recyclables. With over 600 trucks per day, around 5,000 workers have found constant work and a home amongst the landfill. Working in 12 hour shifts around the clock, for 20 years they were seen as a containable presence, allowed to do what they needed to survive. Pecking orders were established, middlemen were introduced to provide an outlet for the recyclables, and housing was factored into the amount paid. In 2009, 23 private investors of the dump pushed for 'worker regulation' and expansion, a move that swayed the government to look into avenues for change and future commercial investors.

Over the last decade, a number of villages have been outlined as a new location divert the excess waste from Bantar Gebang, however, each proposal has been met with strong protest in the early stages. In Northern Jakarta, local shrimp farmers noticed an abundance of shrimp had died weeks after a temporary landfill was established in neighboring Cilincing Village. They blamed the landfill for leaking pollution into the waters, stating that the government should have never placed a dump so close to the water edge, even temporarily.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000's hit the industry hard. In recent years, teams of 6 workers could make approx. 130,000 Rupiah (AU$15) per team/per week, in 2009 the teams could make around 60-80,000 Rp (AU$9.50) per week. Workers face diseases ranging from skin irritations to tuberculosis, however many go untreated as the cost of medical treatment is simply unaffordable. As a result, workers turn to traditional medicine and the local elementary school has adopted teaching the students how to treat working related infections and diseases.

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) states that while children in Indonesia are protected by anti-child labor laws, the challenge for them is to see that the law is being enforced. 30-40% of children in Bantar Gebang start working in the landfill in the hours after school from 5 years old, staying close to their parents they help find small pieces of plastic, learning the routine until they're able to collect for themselves. Children as young as 10 are leaving school to work in the dump full time, their ability to make around 15,000Rp per week will help the family buy food and survive. As the amount children make is almost the same as an adult, their age and education are overlooked as their parents welcome the extra hands. ILO are co-ordinating with the Bantar Gebang Elementary School to educate students that working in the landfill isn't the only option for their future.

As the dump expands with both private and international investment opportunities increasing, the emphasis is on producing resources and commodities from it's waste. The regulation of employees/workers has been welcomed, safer working conditions and better liaison with the local hospital to provide free medical care to those with a Bakasi local identification card, and a future for their children other than amongst the rubbish mountains. Landfill administration are implementing an advanced waste management technology to handle the expected increase of refuse to 6,000 tones per day; February 2010 saw the first unit of power being streamed into the grid from the methane pits. 15 meter deep holes are dug into the waste mountains to release methane gas, to be captured and converted into energy.

Initial predictions are for the dump to produce 26 MegaWatts at full capacity, three times the amount produced from a similar landfill in Bali. Administration are increasing funds dedicated to the on-site fertilization plant, which will require more workers. From the initial 2008 trial period reports were positive, market profits were flowed back into the regulation of the landfill's infrastructure. The hope for the workers is that safer conditions and more pay will ensure a better future for their family.