The novel opens with Raphael’s description of what picking through trash is like. He and the other boys spend their lives sifting through refuse and human waste and are themselves viewed as trash by people fortunate enough to avoid living off the dumpsites. Politicians like Zapanta steal from them by pillaging the international aid funds, ensuring that the city cannot progress, build schools, or help its population to thrive, treating them as if they are less than nothing. Lives like José Angelico’s are thrown away by the interrogators in the police station, who know that they will never be punished. Gabriel and the other prisoners, including children in the cages that Olivia sees, are treated as garbage, moved out of sight, and forgotten. Trash is discarded because it is dirty, useless, and will cause sickness to healthy environments.

Religion does not play a large role in Trash, but faith does. José’s letter to Gabriel includes the phrase “It is accomplished.” These are among the final words that Christ speaks in the Bible while suffering on the cross. He refers to the completion of his atonement and sacrifice for the good of all humankind. José’s words also signal that their great work has been accomplished: The money that was stolen from the people has been taken from Zapanta and can now be returned.