ABSTRACT
Trash is ubiquitous in Bangalore, indeed in any Indian city. That which has made possible the reproduction of everyday life, once consumed or used becomes detritus of no particular utility to those whom it had previously sustained. In most cases, there is no need to crane one’s neck to catch a glimpse of what is in them, for trash is usually overflowing the containers provided for its storage. Human waste and the waste produced by humans is meted the same disrespect. Hardly anyone who can afford to employ someone else cleans their own toilets or takes out their trash. Both the positive and the negative attitudes to matter may be witnessed by observing those upon whom the upper castes and the affluent have conferred the work of waste disposal: the rag pickers and the workers of the Bangalore City Corporation.
