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You threw away what?!

237 50 June 21, 2012 at 05:05 PM in Finance
I decided to put my log book on this forum so you can all see the crazy amount of free stuff in good condition that I find while walking my dogs at night in NYC. My girlfriend and I recently moved into a new apartment on the Upper East Side and we had been noticing how much brand new (or antique) stuff is left out on the curb.

So for fun (and because we are both as cheap as they come), we started grabbing stuff that is in good condition. Either we use it, try to sell it, or give it away.

Oh, and keep in mind, bottles and cans have a $0.05 deposit on them so we return those.

We just started keeping track, here is what we have so far:

6/18 - 18 books, 1 milk crate, 4 deposit cans ($0.20)
6/19 - Aero-Swiss Humidifier (Valued over $100), Keurig Coffee Machine ($120), Small Dust Buster, Best Fitness Leg Developer (Over $100), 11 deposit cans ($0.55)
6/20 - 7 deposit cans ($0.35)
6/21 - 37 bottle deposit cans (took the dogs on a long walk this afternoon) ($1.85)

That's the last four days, I'll update this as we get new finds.

Anyone else do this either out of necessity or as a hobby?

Stephen

Check out the new blog @ http://youthrewawaywhat.wordpress.com ... my site where all I do is talk about garbage!

Community Wiki

Last Edited by stephenNYC July 30, 2012 at 06:41 PM
Here is the master list of all of our finds to date! It also includes what has sold, the upcycle projects and any other benefits we have gotten from our trash!

Found:

TOTAL: 8 milk crates
TOTAL: 635 My Coke Reward Points
  • 18 books
  • Aero-Swiss Humidifier
  • Keurig Coffee Machine
  • Small Dust Buster
  • Best Fitness Leg Developer
  • Giorgio Armani Sunglasses Case
  • June issue of Backpacker Magazine
  • Verizon Phone charger
  • 7 dresser drawers
  • 2 Wilson Titanium Tennis Rackets
  • Large Kitchen Garbage can
  • Michael's Arts and Crafts drawers
  • A crochet purse
  • Shannon Hand-Crafted Lead Crystal Cake Plate and Server
  • Cooks Panini-Maker
  • 3 Magazines -- Elle, Cosmo, and Glamour
  • 2 Picture frames in their original plastic
  • Film Quarterly magazines from the 1960s and 70s
  • CAT5e Ethernet Cable
  • DesignForLiving Water Bottle
  • Broyhill Nightstand
  • Cheese Grater
  • NIB Wilson Titanium Tennis Balls
  • Some eating utensils
  • Two Hard Rock Cafe Glasses, NIB
  • 254 my coke rewards points.
  • Black and Decker mixer
  • Frying pan
  • Lemonade pitcher
  • Coffee table
  • HP1040 Fax Machine
  • HP Floppy Drive & Smart Card Reader
  • Dell Keyboard
  • BodyBlade Classic 4
  • Bake King Cupcake Pan
  • Step stool
  • United States Annotated Code Chapters 28 (Federal Rules of Evidence) and 42 (Public Health and Welfare), 2001 edition with the 2012 supplements.
  • A Trash Can
  • Laundry Basket
  • Kelty Kids Ridgeline Backpack
  • Budweiser Billiard Cue
  • HP Toner
  • CAT 3 Cable
  • Holmes AccuTemp Window Fan
  • "The Naked Nude Nude" screen print art
  • HP OfficeJet Pro K850
  • 2 Electronics Stands
  • Laptop Desk with Built in Fan
  • Signed Artist Proof, Fragment by Arline Sherman
  • Small screwdriver set
  • Players Image Alignment Golf MIRROR Training Aid
  • 2 Family & Friends CPR Training Kits with Manikins
  • Pantone Color Tint Selector by Pantone Library of Color
  • 3 Books on Woodworking
  • 10Base-T Concentrator
  • A bunch of cedar shoe-horns
  • S-Video Cable


Upcycled:
  • Two dresser drawers into kitchen shelving
  • Film Quarterly Magazines into Art for wall

Converted to Cash:
  • HP1040 Fax Machine, Recalled for $100 rebate. Used to buy new printer
  • Bottle Deposit Returns: $16.30
  • HP Toner and HP1040 Ink Cart, HP OfficeJet Carts/Toner (11) -- $26 @ Staples
  • BodyBlade Classic 4 -- $68 via Ebay
  • Michael's Storage Drawers -- $25 via Ebay
  • Air-O-Swiss Humidifier -- $25 via Ebay
  • Both Wilson Tennis Rackets -- $27 via Ebay
  • Kelty Kids Backpack -- $36 via Ebay

380 Comments

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Joined May 2012
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> bubble2 1,853 Posts
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UncleJase
06-25-2012 at 03:52 PM.
06-25-2012 at 03:52 PM.
Quote from Jabbit :
This is a cool thread, thanks for the posts. Best thing I ever found in the trash was a Weber gas grill that works awesome, I have used it for 3+ years. Also found a BNIB office chair at a Staples. They threw it out because it was missing 1 wheel. $3 later, brand new chair Smilie
Iagree This is the only thread I have pinned.
Reply
Joined Jun 2012
Trash Connoisseur
> bubble2 237 Posts
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Original Poster
stephenNYC
06-25-2012 at 05:33 PM.
06-25-2012 at 05:33 PM.
Quote from UncleJace :
Iagree This is the only thread I have pinned.
Thanks to both of you! I appreciate the feedback. Just came in from their evening walk. It's garbage night!!!

Pulled 10 more bottle deposits, and one my coke rewards cap.

My big score of the first run of the night was two more milk crates. I have been using the ones I find for closet organization. We have pretty limited storage space in our apartment and these are awesome for maximizing space.
Reply
Joined May 2006
Boating
> bubble2 21,228 Posts
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Piccaboo
06-25-2012 at 05:45 PM.
06-25-2012 at 05:45 PM.
Quote from stephenNYC :
Thanks to both of you! I appreciate the feedback. Just came in from their evening walk. It's garbage night!!!

Pulled 10 more bottle deposits, and one my coke rewards cap.

My big score of the first run of the night was two more milk crates. I have been using the ones I find for closet organization. We have pretty limited storage space in our apartment and these are awesome for maximizing space.

I think I have a milk crate fetish laugh out loud Seriously, they are good for so many things, stack them on their sides, and they become shelves in the garage for holding misc. pieces of wood blocks that we save, boxes of items that we don't have room on our other shelving in the garage, boating items we want to keep separated from other things. The fact that they are easily stack-able in different ways makes them wonderful woot

I use them in the beginning of the boating season when I clean off the boat bumpers and polish them, to let them dry; as they will hold them upright for me. We have one in the dock box, as it keeps all the stuff organized, and doesn't rust; plus it doesn't collapse like a cardboard box might.
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Joined Oct 2004
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> bubble2 12,150 Posts
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Jabbit
06-25-2012 at 05:52 PM.
06-25-2012 at 05:52 PM.
Quote from stephenNYC :
Thanks to both of you! I appreciate the feedback. Just came in from their evening walk. It's garbage night!!!

Pulled 10 more bottle deposits, and one my coke rewards cap.

My big score of the first run of the night was two more milk crates. I have been using the ones I find for closet organization. We have pretty limited storage space in our apartment and these are awesome for maximizing space.
Dude, build a blog. This is the type of stuff I would read everyday for 2-3 minutes, and I know a lot of others would.
Reply
Joined Jun 2012
Trash Connoisseur
> bubble2 237 Posts
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Original Poster
stephenNYC
06-25-2012 at 05:55 PM.
06-25-2012 at 05:55 PM.
Quote from Jabbit :
Dude, build a blog. This is the type of stuff I would read everyday for 2-3 minutes, and I know a lot of others would.
I've thought about doing that actually... I need some ideas for a name though!
Reply
Joined Jun 2012
Trash Connoisseur
> bubble2 237 Posts
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Original Poster
stephenNYC
06-25-2012 at 05:58 PM.
06-25-2012 at 05:58 PM.
Quote from Piccaboo :
I think I have a milk crate fetish laugh out loud Seriously, they are good for so many things, stack them on their sides, and they become shelves in the garage for holding misc. pieces of wood blocks that we save, boxes of items that we don't have room on our other shelving in the garage, boating items we want to keep separated from other things. The fact that they are easily stack-able in different ways makes them wonderful woot

I use them in the beginning of the boating season when I clean off the boat bumpers and polish them, to let them dry; as they will hold them upright for me. We have one in the dock box, as it keeps all the stuff organized, and doesn't rust; plus it doesn't collapse like a cardboard box might.
I feel the same way! It does sound like the perfect boating tool. My gf's dad is big into sailing and has a 36' boat; maybe once I run out of space for them here I will have to start giving them to him. Earn some more brownie points before I ask for his daughter's hand bounce
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Joined Oct 2004
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> bubble2 12,150 Posts
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Jabbit
06-25-2012 at 06:12 PM.
06-25-2012 at 06:12 PM.
Quote from stephenNYC :
I've thought about doing that actually... I need some ideas for a name though!
Just do a wordpress blog or something, people still make money off of those. Dumpster Delights, Trashy Treasures, You Threw Away What?!?,....etc. I have many more. PM me if you ever want help with naming.
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Joined Jun 2012
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Original Poster
stephenNYC
06-25-2012 at 06:16 PM.
06-25-2012 at 06:16 PM.
Quote from Jabbit :
Just do a wordpress blog or something, people still make money off of those. Dumpster Delights, Trashy Treasures, You Threw Away What?!?,....etc. I have many more. PM me if you ever want help with naming.
Chelsea and I really like "You Threw Away What?!"
I think it'd make a great T-Shirt too. I have run my own wordpress blog before (www.stephenmurrayactivism.org) so I'm def familiar.... looks like I've been inspired! Thanks bud
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Joined Jan 2004
Here's to the future
> bubble2 25,141 Posts
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Iaaaiws
06-25-2012 at 06:16 PM.
06-25-2012 at 06:16 PM.
Quote from Piccaboo :
I think I have a milk crate fetish laugh out loud Seriously, they are good for so many things, stack them on their sides, and they become shelves in the garage for holding misc. pieces of wood blocks that we save, boxes of items that we don't have room on our other shelving in the garage, boating items we want to keep separated from other things. The fact that they are easily stack-able in different ways makes them wonderful woot

I use them in the beginning of the boating season when I clean off the boat bumpers and polish them, to let them dry; as they will hold them upright for me. We have one in the dock box, as it keeps all the stuff organized, and doesn't rust; plus it doesn't collapse like a cardboard box might.
My favorite ones for garage stuff are the old metal milk crates. I think I am down to only two of these left now.



The heavy plastic ones are nice for tow chains since they won't rust when the chains are put away wet. Some of the newer ones are a little light duty for my taste but they still have a ton of uses.
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Joined Oct 2004
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> bubble2 12,150 Posts
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Jabbit
06-25-2012 at 06:21 PM.
06-25-2012 at 06:21 PM.
Quote from stephenNYC :
Chelsea and I really like "You Threw Away What?!"
I think it'd make a great T-Shirt too. I have run my own wordpress blog before (www.stephenmurrayactivism.org) so I'm def familiar.... looks like I've been inspired! Thanks bud
I genuinely think you have something with this. Best of luck to you and don't forget about this thread! woot
Reply
Joined May 2006
Boating
> bubble2 21,228 Posts
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Piccaboo
06-25-2012 at 06:25 PM.
06-25-2012 at 06:25 PM.
Quote from stephenNYC :
I feel the same way! It does sound like the perfect boating tool. My gf's dad is big into sailing and has a 36' boat; maybe once I run out of space for them here I will have to start giving them to him. Earn some more brownie points before I ask for his daughter's hand bounce
Manage to hook two of them together, put wheels on the back of them, and a handle, and you have a "dock cart" that one can carry items from the car down to the dock. Do you have any idea what those cost at Boating Stores OMG Although it would not be collapsible, many Marina's allow you to keep your "Go-Karts" as they are called there are your dock - so it could be kept there, and simply brought up to the vehicle when needed to bring stuff down bulb We keep a "Go Kart" in the back of my vehicle for when we go to the Marina, it's basically a collapsible milk crate, when you really look at the design of it laugh out loud on wheels, with a removable handle, to break it down to fit into a trunk - and the basket is replaceable, if it should ever go bad on you nod
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Joined Jun 2012
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Original Poster
stephenNYC
06-25-2012 at 06:27 PM.
06-25-2012 at 06:27 PM.
"Inspired by the mountains of trash in my Upper East Side neighborhood of New York City, YOU THREW AWAY WHAT?! is devoted to cataloging the treasures that are left on the streets of Manhattan.

Reusing and Recycling is a multifaceted hobby for me. It combines environmentalism, being thrifty, coming up with creative uses for things, donating perfectly good items to charity, and making some money.

I am twenty-four years old and have been fortunate enough to travel the world and meet many people from all walks of life. I hope this blog affords me some more of that opportunity. "
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Joined May 2006
Boating
> bubble2 21,228 Posts
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Piccaboo
06-25-2012 at 06:31 PM.
06-25-2012 at 06:31 PM.
Quote from Iaaaiws :
My favorite ones for garage stuff are the old metal milk crates. I think I am down to only two of these left now.



The heavy plastic ones are nice for tow chains since they won't rust when the chains are put away wet. Some of the newer ones are a little light duty for my taste but they still have a ton of uses.
Rare that we run across a metal one, but I do have one's from dare I say it, the Postal Service EEK! They are nice and sturdy, made of a different material altogether; but boy do they hold up well nod and are much larger than any milk crate. Let's just say that I acquired them from a job where I worked Cool Most of the plastic one's that we have, are pretty heavy duty, they are from long, long ago; and I won't give a single one away. The other thing we collect are spackle buckets - there are a ton of usages for these as well. I don't give these up either Nono2 nor the lids, if I acquire the lids with them.

Quote from stephenNYC :
"Inspired by the mountains of trash in my Upper East Side neighborhood of New York City, YOU THREW AWAY WHAT?! is devoted to cataloging the treasures that are left on the streets of Manhattan.

Reusing and Recycling is a multifaceted hobby for me. It combines environmentalism, being thrifty, coming up with creative uses for things, donating perfectly good items to charity, and making some money.

I am twenty-four years old and have been fortunate enough to travel the world and meet many people from all walks of life. I hope this blog affords me some more of that opportunity. "

I like that Applause
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Last edited by Piccaboo June 25, 2012 at 06:32 PM.
Joined Jun 2012
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Original Poster
stephenNYC
06-25-2012 at 06:54 PM.
06-25-2012 at 06:54 PM.
I just went out to grab cigarettes and decided to circle the block. There was a dresser that had been smashed in one of the piles, and while it wasn't usable in its current state... I remembered that Chelsea and I have been in the market for some shelving.... well, I thought to myself, the front of the drawers, if sanded down and repainted, would make great shelves! So here we go, 7 drawers becomes 7 shelves.
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Joined Jun 2012
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stephenNYC
06-25-2012 at 07:47 PM.
06-25-2012 at 07:47 PM.
Thanks to you guys and gals -- YOU THREW AWAY WHAT?! has been born!!

http://youthrewawaywhat.wordpress.com
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