The largest market in Africa, located in Ethiopia,Addis Ababa, is "Merkato". Almost everyone in the country knows what Merkato is. What many people may not know is that there is an even more impressive market just a couple of blocks down from Merkato, this market is “Minalesh tera”.  The closest English translation is “What do you have market”. This market is so fascinating because all the wares being sold are recycled. 

The market entry is not clearly defined, nor are the sold wares. Next to a man selling broken radio parts, there may be a person making gates. The market goes deep into roads untouched by modernization, where all the pathways are uneven and rugged. The first time I visited I remember being so amazed by the work these people were doing, turning all these unwanted and broken materials, fixing them and selling them anew. Down a whole pathway, there would be thousands upon thousands of old jerrycans on top of roofs and their sellers diligently repairing them, down another pathway, one can hear the banging of hammers against bent metal sheets which would, in turn, be made into gates. And next to them, there would be a shopkeeper recycling empty wine bottles, jelly glasses and perfume bottles into candle holders, vases and drinking cups. The local homeowners would be conversing with each other and the shopkeepers while hanging their laundry out to dry. The sense of Camaraderie between these people was heartwarming. 

We need to support these communities, their efforts actively keep down the growth of waste. Not only do these people generate an income from their activities but they also create a community where recycling is habitual. Their informal recycling and reusing market makes a difference in formal waste management. Markets like these should become more commonplace in as many countries around the world, and governments should work towards that aim.