The cost of recycling scavengers

San Francisco is considered a national leader in pro-environmental policy, advocacy, and education. And while the City is a pioneer in recycling it may be getting tougher on street recyclers who scavenge from blue bins throughout the city.

Supervisor Christina Olague has requested a hearing looking into how much money the City is losing because of scavengers, as well as ways to prevent the practice. That investigation could begin next month. Street recycling is a growing underground economy. And it is illegal. Ben Trefny has the story.