Istanbul’s war on street waste collectors threatens migrants
Police raids on the unregulated recycling sector are targeting some of the poorest members of Turkish society, including undocumented refugees with few other options to survive.
Hundreds of informal recycling workers in Istanbul have been detained and many face deportation after recent police raids that critics say target migrants in particular.
Recyclable waste collectors are a common sight on the streets of Turkey’s cities and towns as they drag large hand-pulled carts and sift through garbage bins for plastic, paper and cardboard.
In a country where municipal recycling rates are among the lowest in Europe, many see their work as an important part in helping Turkey reach environmental goals.
On Thursday, dawn raids at 36 sites in Sancaktepe, a district in Istanbul's Asian side, saw riot and special operations police deployed alongside municipal staff.
