BUYING SCRAP IRON, OLD BATTERY BUYING

In Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in rural areas, it’s common to hear vehicles driving through villages or towns announcing goods or services they’re offering. Sometimes it’s water, other times fruit and vegetables, or even a death announcement. But perhaps the most iconic call is, “BUYING SCRAP IRON, OLD BATTERY BUYING.” Why is it phrased that way? Who knows. This form of communication predates the internet and remains an effective way to share information with smaller communities, preserving a unique cultural tradition.