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Was it safe for them to live there?

Living on the dump was difficult. It was an unusual and challenging environment so precautions had to be taken to ensure they made it to the end safely.

Everyone, both on and off camera, had to have tetanus, polio and hepatitis vaccinations in advance. On arriving at the dump, the group were issued with protective gear – Kevlar gloves, protective boots, even face masks. It was impossible to know exactly what was in the rubbish they would be sifting through, so they always had to wear the appropriate kit when scavenging.

The major worry was people getting ill. They were living and cooking surrounded by tonnes of rubbish, they had no idea what wildlife was scuttling around in there, and their toilet facilities were basic to say the least. So personal hygiene was massively important.

Staying clean was a constant struggle for the group and there was frequent tension between them over keeping their living areas clean. Everyone knew that it would only take one person to let the side down and a stomach bug could easily sweep through the camp.