In Trash, everyone who is not part of the government or the police force is at a disadvantage. Even at a level as elevated as the vice-president, government corruption is rampant. Zapanta takes millions in international aid funds, and there is little reason to believe that that is his first abuse of power. The police raid, imprison, and even torture with impunity. When Gabriel Olondriz attempts to file charges against Zapanta, he is imprisoned for life. José Angelico is killed while being questioned by the police, but no charges are brought against them. The populace is so busy trying to survive that there appear to be few avenues to progress. Even Olivia, who is there as a social worker, is not free from the dangers of the morally distorted government.

Besides the filth in which they work, and the dangers and sicknesses they are constantly trying to avoid, the people of Behala experience another side of poverty: the lack of options and the inability to aspire to more. There is so little money available that saving is nearly impossible, except for someone as clever, observant, and patient as Jun-Jun. Poverty makes the people invisible to those of a higher station, as is seen in the graveyard when the boys on the wrong side of the wall.