An estimated 20 million people are thought to earn their livelihoods in the global waste industry,

collecting, disposing, repairing, or repurposing a wide range of materials and products.

But the cost and consequences of handling waste are born far more heavily in developing nations.

In his previous story, Fred de Sam Lazaro reported on the impact

of used car and electronic waste imports in Ghana. Today, the waste from textiles. Fred's report

is in partnership with the Pulitzer Center.

If you've ever wondered where most of the clothes you took to the thrift store go once they've been picked over, this is one likely destination.

Contamanto Market in Ghana's capital, Accra.

I got here at six on a Saturday morning and business was already in full swing.

As she's done for years, Lizzie Nalturi snipped open a bale of denim jeans.

It was fresh off the boat, but a good part of the pile, she said, way beyond well worn.

All this you are saying is trash.

Is it torn?

Is it to fade it?

What is it?

Uh-huh.

It's torn. And it's summer faded. Nobody buys.

It's pure lottery. Vendors don't know exactly what they'll find in the bundles they buy from importers of used garments.

Are there some good days and some bad days or not?

They all the same.

Joyce Asiyama is sorting through her own

warning pile.

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