I have one main rule when I walk the curbs to hunt for free stuff:
ALWAYS go the extra block.
This rule paid off to the tune of an extra ~$4,900 of inventory sitting at the last spot on the last block I hate going to... on top of everything else I found.
Whatever the financial reward, I’m reducing lots of pollution with my bare hands and helping consumers. I hope more people will really appreciate that.
Hustle Pays.
So what the heck did I find on my curb recycling walks literally right around my apartment?
This automatic paper folder retails new for $3,700. It's complete and works perfectly with a super low page count.
It's realistically worth about $800-$900 used. It's listed used online for $1,000-$1,300+. Even if I settle at $700 cash, or more with a local pickup, I win big... and I saved 58 pounds from being wasted.
To hustle even more, I went to a copy shop I visit across the street for FedEx package drops, and learned that their folding machine broke down last week. They asked for pics and info today to consider buying this. I'll likely get a cash offer, but I won't give this away. How cool of a story would that be to find this 3 blocks away and sell it 1/4 block from my apartment?
This next gem should comfortably sell in the $3,000-$4,000 range ($2,000 if I give it away for cash). It retails new everywhere online at over $21,000. It's from 2017, so it's bared used!
This automatic envelope stuffer/sealer was 165 pounds. This was a "lot" of fun to figure out how to move and get back to my apartment. Like my mattress story, I simply figured it out. Failure was not an option.
I decided to put it on a piece of cardboard and drag it to a free spot on the curb until a cab with a handicapped ramp came by at 5:30 AM. I just rented a storage unit last week, so I've already moved it there via a second cab, where I have an electrical outlet to help me sell it from there.
What a crazy random free find. It was outside a place that had 9 computers outside recently without hard drives, so I left them. This place must be purging tech and I'll be there next week to see if there's more.
Stock setup:
As always, proof:
Next, yes, I found antique 22K GOLD PLATED pottery. Slow clap.
Many were worn, one had a chip/crack, and I repaired a handle, but they’ll sell. They're stamped Hannell, and by Hazel Hannell from the mid 1900's. If they were in better condition, this set would be a pretty penny. I might sell them as a lot for $150+ and be done with it, or 3 of the better ones for $60 each as a start.
This collapsible medical walker retails for $470 and looks like it was used once. I have it listed for $200 cash and feel good about it moving within a few weeks. This was a nice save since it'll help someone get around more easily.
Next a huge Lego Technics set that's nearly complete. Complete sets sell for $150-$200. The motors work, but it's likely missing a few small pieces. I'll either sell it as a partial set for ~$90 for parts, or add it to my bin of 50-60 pound of loose Legos I've found that I'll be selling in bulk for cash. When I get to 100 pounds, I can command about $400-$500 for it since much of it is desirable Star Wars and Technics.
Proof of previous two items:
A vintage Le Creuset dutch oven I'll restore and sell for $100+. I've done this before as a gift to a friend (see below).
Previous project before and after:
Yes, I know magic.
A super clean UPPAbaby bassinet with adapters I'll easily sell for $60-$70 cash.
This was helpful to help me carry some other loose stuff I found.
I found this vacuum hose that already sold today for $28 ($17 profit after shipping and fees).
A working breast milk pump worth about $30.
A Nespresso unit that might not be working properly, but I can sell some parts for $30, $20, $15, $15, & $10.
I also found a framed baseball ticket and photo from the opening day of a new stadium, and a vacuum battery that always sells for $25+ used. People often throw this same vacuum out with the battery intact on the exterior, so I pull it and use my charger/test vacuum at home to make sure it holds the full 18 minute charge.
Lastly, I found a Shark True Pet handheld vacuum that had a cut cord, but I put a temporary cord on to test the other parts. I then broke it all down into pieces to sell separately. Notably, I also had a power nozzle for the same model I found loose months ago I was able to fully test now and can sell for $60. I often hold good things I can't test if I know I'll find the other half in the future. This was a good example.
What else did I do today?
I donated this salvaged Sony CD player and printer to a thrift store today:
I also brought this heavy air conditioner up 4 flights for my new neighbors, who didn't ask and won't know it was me.
Many people care about our planet, but they don't do anything outside of recycling stuff into waste bins for other people to figure out for them. This system is flawed and leads to massive amounts of unnecessary waste in our environment.
If you really care about our planet, it's time to start finding ways to reuse, repair, repurpose, or resell things. Stop being lazy at the expense of the people who will have to deal with it later.
I hope this inspires others to take action. There's a lot of money to be made in recycling if you simply stop assuming you can't find anything or do it.
Feel free to ask any questions or share this message. All of your support is appreciated and helps me stay motivated on my curb hunts late at night.
Thanks for your support.