44 gallon drums are manually upgraded at Dharavi for re-use on a large scale. I met with a sharply dressed businessman who has been in the the trade for two generations. He explained how numerous corporates like Pidilite (who produce Fevicol) provide annual contracts for their services. Used drums are hand-scrubbed with caustic soda, beaten smooth and re-rimmed to be returned to their suppliers ready for re-branding and re-use. I observed that the final interior polishing is done using a mop-like tool that has made from fabric scraps discarded from elsewhere in Dharavi – resourcefulness at play right throughout the processing sequence.
Also interesting to note the conducive layout of this industrious compound. Goods arrive along a major road which can host delivery trucks and vehicles then processing occurs deeper within the area in units of varying sizes.