The first thing that strikes you is the stench and millions of flies. Then you notice the people, hundreds of them crawling over the huge rubbish dump, collecting anything that could be sold for recycling. It's not just the usual paper, glass and aluminium cans, but old tyres, wood, plastic bags, anything metal such as bedsprings from old mattresses and even discarded, worn out shoes become valuable for those who have no shoes.

The "miracle" of the global economy is a cruel illusion for those struggling to survive by scavenging on Manila's garbage dumps. Whole families, including children, work all day to earn the equivalent of $1.50 for the material they gather and sell ...