> The waste belongs to the city, so collecting it is technically theft. “The city isn’t going to prosecute these people and most are prepared to turn a blind eye to their activities,” he says.<p>Funny timing, as it seems the local government is starting to crack down on dumpster divers in the name of "collecting recycling data": <a href="https://www.ccma.cat/324/barcelona-estrenara-contenidors-intelligents-que-identificaran-lusuari/noticia/3084882/" rel="nofollow">https://www.ccma.cat/324/barcelona-estrenara-contenidors-int...</a><p>> For many, it is impossible to fulfil these conditions, and even if they get legal status, they have to register as self-employed and pay a statutory monthly “quota” of €300, regardless of income, which they do not earn enough to pay.<p>This is also incorrect. Being self-employed does have a monthly quota but it only kicks in after I think 2 years (first 6 months gratis, second 6 months small fee, third 6 months bigger fee and so on), so you can get up and running relatively cheap.<p>I do agree that it's bad they don't get properly paid for the good work they are doing though, Barcelona is better because of them in general. One could always hope there could be a solution that benefits all the parties involved, instead of just one side.