Trash Collector

‘Trash Collector’ explores the life of Chaan, a man living in a slum along the train tracks that snake through Nakhorn Ratchasima (Korat) en route to the northeast region of Thailand. Though Chaan’s neighborhood is connected to one of the main streets in downtown Korat, the community remains off the grid with no addresses, running water, electricity or political representation. The slum is populated by contract construction workers, migrant farmers, trash collectors and others who perform menial labor throughout the city. Supporting his children and close relatives of seven through collecting recyclables from public trash bins, he manages to pay for their food and education at the local Buddhist temple. Despite financial hardships, he remains optimistic and wakes up early to reclaim discarded items from the previous day. Hunting for valuable materials like plastic and metals, he circles the city on a donated motorcycle and cart, hoping to make enough to cover the day’s expenses.

The short documentary, shot from Chaan’s side cart, poetically weaves his regular routine with his philosophies and observations. With beautiful subtlety, ‘Trash Collector’ reveals the quiet strength and perseverance of Chaan as he survives a typical day.