A woman and her son are searching through a garbage bin for refundable containers. Every cent counts in their situation.

Reporting context/solution to the problem:

In 2022, Slovakia launched a system to give refunds for recyclable packaging. Containers can only be returned through special vending machines. People end up throwing them away.

A student noticed a mother and son with bags by a garbage bin. They were searching for refundable containers for money to buy food. As her school collects containers, she brought them to the family. They will meet regularly to collect containers from the school.

Packaging that is a “burden” for students to refund can help people in need. The reporters came up with a system that would help people in more locations.

Footnotes

Author: Simona Gerhátová, 11 years, CZŠ Narnia, Bratislava, Slovakia