Today, the issue of HIV/AIDS remains of pressing concern. With one of the highest prevalence rates in West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire ranks among the countries most severely affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This study seeks to analyse the sexual practices and risk behaviours associated with HIV/AIDS among young people working and living in the Abobo scrapyard. The research is based on a mixed-methods design, combining questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews conducted with two hundred and nine (209) participants, including one hundred and thirty-two (132) men and seventy-seven (77) women. The findings reveal multiple risk behaviours likely to increase the exposure of young people in the scrapyard environment to HIV infection. Sexual inexperience coupled with heightened curiosity emerges as a major factor in the propagation of the virus. Although the condom is recognised as the most effective means of protection against HIV/AIDS, the study shows that its use is predominantly motivated by the fear of unintended pregnancy rather than by concern for disease prevention. Moreover, a considerable number of respondents perceive HIV/AIDS as a mere illusion or social construct. Qualitative interviews further indicate that commercial sex work is a widespread and structured activity within the Abobo scrapyard, thereby reinforcing the context of vulnerability and risk.