During this month, it is common that municipal workers who collect garbage, go door to door, asking for a “tip” or “second bonus”.
Two workers from the Municipality of San José (MSJ), who preferred not the say their names, told that this custom is very old and it occurs in almost all municipalities.
They added that although it is forbidden, they take the risk, because the bonus they receive is around 300,000 colones, which is not enough for December and January expenses.
It’s also a recognition of the dangerous work we do. Not everyone is willing to do so,
said an official who has been working as a collector for 17 years.
Empreratriz Ordeñana, head of the Department of Environmental Services from the MSJ, explained that this is completely forbidden, officials can face penalties and taxpayers who feel harassed, can file a complaint.