Chiffonniers is a French term that refers to people who collect rags and other discarded textiles to be recycled or repurposed. These individuals are sometimes called "ragpickers" in English. Other synonyms for chiffonniers include "junk collectors," "scavengers," and "waste pickers." These terms all refer to individuals who gather discarded materials that can be salvaged and reused, either for their own purposes or for commercial sale. Chiffonniers have played an important role in the recycling industry for centuries, helping to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of human activity. Despite their important work, however, chiffonniers have often been stigmatized and marginalized by society.