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Niagara

(11,976 posts)
Sun May 3, 2026, 03:05 PM 8 hrs ago

Some of my trash picking treasures

I want to be clear, I inspect everything carefully before I bring it home. Once at night time, I found two separate and spectacular artwork in elaborate photo frames, like one would see at an antique shop. I only had my flashlight on my phone and so I couldn't look for "critters" as it was too dark outside. I decided to come back in the morning and when I did the prints with the elaborate photo frames had already been picked. So someone else was able to save these prints and photo frames.


I once had a client that was unable to cook and cut her own food. She lived in an exorbitant neighborhood. A neighbor of my client threw away 4 of these dining room chairs from Raymour and Flanigan Furniture Store. I sat in each of them and there was absolutely nothing wrong with the legs or chairs themselves. I looked them over and they just needed cleaning.






Someone threw away this rattan/wicker accent table.





In the corner is a wrought iron folding corner shelf. It was waiting to be thrown in the landfill, absolutely nothing wrong with it. I almost got ran over by 2 separate vehicles and I smashed my pinky finger loading it. I didn't even swear when I smashed my pinky finger! lol





Someone threw away this feline and I gave him a home. He was the most affectionate and hungry fellow that I've ever known! Everyone misses you, Bermuda.





Someone threw away these plates. I ended up giving them away to someone who needed them.




Someone threw away this plastic bench. I came across it at night and I thought it was wrought iron at first. They don't make that kind of details in plastic outdoor furniture anymore. It cleaned up well!








Someone threw away this plastic exterior pillar. That's just freshly mowed grass and or whacked weeds that ended up on it.




Someone threw away a teapot, creamer and sugar set. I just recently donated these items since I really didn't have the room for them.






These Mid Century Modern hexagon tables (I got 2) I didn't exactly garbage pick but I did manage to rescue them and repurpose them in my home. On top from left to right is a horse book end, a drink of tea and in the wooden box is my deceased feline Bermuda.








37 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Some of my trash picking treasures (Original Post) Niagara 8 hrs ago OP
I read an article once written by a nanny who worked for a very wealthy family. Diamond_Dog 8 hrs ago #1
Yes, that nanny knows what's what Niagara 7 hrs ago #6
That was one of my favorite things to do when I was selling antiques and collectibles. I've also made some Vinca 7 hrs ago #2
Lol, Vinca Niagara 7 hrs ago #8
Living in Nassau Co. NY ... oldsoldierfadingfast 7 hrs ago #3
That's the best way to furnish a 1st house, oldsoldierfadingfast Niagara 7 hrs ago #9
I am impressed by what you do with used items. Polly Hennessey 7 hrs ago #4
Thank you, Polly Hennessey Niagara 7 hrs ago #10
I took the drawer pulls off a busted up dresser Phoenix61 7 hrs ago #5
Salvage what you can handle, Phoenix61 Niagara 7 hrs ago #11
One of my aunts lived in the very nice neighborhood of Chevy Chase, MD. 3catwoman3 7 hrs ago #7
I hope that you get to Chevy Chase, MD at some point, 3catwoman3 Niagara 7 hrs ago #12
I've been there many times, as we lived near Andrews Air Force Base for 8 years... 3catwoman3 7 hrs ago #16
i dont do it these days, as i'm the 1 who needs to declutter, but mopinko 7 hrs ago #13
I don't trash pick as much I use to either, mopinko Niagara 5 hrs ago #25
Nice reuse Marthe48 7 hrs ago #14
Thank you, Marthe Niagara 5 hrs ago #27
I have a friend who finds old broken down furniture and when she's done with it, looks brand new.. Deuxcents 7 hrs ago #15
"Junkin" I like that term, Deuxcents Niagara 5 hrs ago #29
---D.C., long about 50 yers ago. A framed, autographed photo of Supreme Court justices --- including, 3Hotdogs 6 hrs ago #17
Yes! I would have sold it for $600 as well, 3Hotdogs Niagara 5 hrs ago #30
You done good, Niagara! LuckyCharms 6 hrs ago #18
Thank you, Lucky Niagara 5 hrs ago #31
We have a free table at our marina BeneteauBum 6 hrs ago #19
I call us rescuers Keepthesoulalive 6 hrs ago #20
True. calimary 5 hrs ago #24
Good job. Figarosmom 6 hrs ago #21
Well done, especially Bermuda.. Permanut 5 hrs ago #22
Please tell me what you used to clean the plastic bench. 2MuchNoise 5 hrs ago #23
I used Clorox cleaner plus bleach in a spray bottle, 2MuchNoise Niagara 5 hrs ago #28
Thank you. It looks great. 2MuchNoise 4 hrs ago #33
Great finds! nt Dear_Prudence 5 hrs ago #26
Love looking at trash to treasure stories! HeartsCanHope 5 hrs ago #32
K7R!!!!! LuckyCharms 4 hrs ago #34
Great finds. Bermuda was sure a handsome cat. Love those eyes. LoisB 4 hrs ago #35
I parked at the IGA last fall Marthe48 4 hrs ago #36
For a second there, I thought you were going to write "someone threw out this perfectly good pizza ... " eppur_se_muova 37 min ago #37

Diamond_Dog

(40,886 posts)
1. I read an article once written by a nanny who worked for a very wealthy family.
Sun May 3, 2026, 03:20 PM
8 hrs ago

She said it was unbelievable what these people threw away. Expensive home furnishings they didn’t like any more that had hardly been used or just because they changed their mind about what they bought. Expensive clothes, shoes, handbags. Just threw it away, didn’t even donate any of it anywhere. The nanny said they let her have whatever they didn’t want. They just went out and bought more without even blinking. It was mind boggling.

I think you got some good stuff there, Niagara. Especially the kittycat.. I like the corner shelf too.

Niagara

(11,976 posts)
6. Yes, that nanny knows what's what
Sun May 3, 2026, 03:40 PM
7 hrs ago

The dining chairs must have been stored in a basement or garage for awhile because they were quite dusty when I retrieved them from the curb.


The prints with the elaborate photo frames that were sitting by the curb from a house that was only a few doors down from me.


Thank you, Diamond_Dog.

Vinca

(54,239 posts)
2. That was one of my favorite things to do when I was selling antiques and collectibles. I've also made some
Sun May 3, 2026, 03:27 PM
7 hrs ago

great finds. Now I'm in getting rid of stuff mode. Maybe I should tell you which dump we use. LOL. I think Bermuda was your best find. I had a find like that, too. His name was Stinker (intestinal issues when he showed up). He's been gone 15 years and I miss him every day.

Niagara

(11,976 posts)
8. Lol, Vinca
Sun May 3, 2026, 03:46 PM
7 hrs ago

Yes, unfortunately we only have so much space to put our treasures so I understand about getting rid of stuff.


Rest in Paradise, Stinker. We never forget them do we?

3. Living in Nassau Co. NY ...
Sun May 3, 2026, 03:31 PM
7 hrs ago

unwanted furniture could be set curbside for pickup. Ex and I got up early and drove around - practically furnished out 1st house that way.
Someone threw out a 3 seat sofa with 6 large feather cushions. We took the cushions - had them laundered, then I made new covers. Made great floor pillows - which I still have and use. The dogs loved them too.

Niagara

(11,976 posts)
9. That's the best way to furnish a 1st house, oldsoldierfadingfast
Sun May 3, 2026, 03:53 PM
7 hrs ago

unwanted second hand treasures.


Thanks for sharing your treasure hunting memories!

Polly Hennessey

(8,921 posts)
4. I am impressed by what you do with used items.
Sun May 3, 2026, 03:33 PM
7 hrs ago

Keep up the great work and let us know more about any of your new finds. I love what you do. 👍

I know Bermuda was your most precious find. What a handsome boy. ❤️

Niagara

(11,976 posts)
10. Thank you, Polly Hennessey
Sun May 3, 2026, 03:56 PM
7 hrs ago

You would have loved Bermuda. He wasn't a shy boy at all.

😺❤️

Phoenix61

(18,875 posts)
5. I took the drawer pulls off a busted up dresser
Sun May 3, 2026, 03:35 PM
7 hrs ago

sitting on the side of the road. They were the nice brass plate ones. My mom just looked at me and said "You are your father's daughter." He snagged a great metal fan with a busted plug. Brought it home, put a new plug on it and it ran for years on his work bench in the garage.

Niagara

(11,976 posts)
11. Salvage what you can handle, Phoenix61
Sun May 3, 2026, 04:01 PM
7 hrs ago

Someone else would have removed and reused the drawer pulls if it hadn't been you first!


There's nothing wrong with being your father's daughter.

3catwoman3

(29,695 posts)
7. One of my aunts lived in the very nice neighborhood of Chevy Chase, MD.
Sun May 3, 2026, 03:41 PM
7 hrs ago

Twice a year, they had the bulk item pick up service. She said the locals referred to it as "Trash and Treasure Day."

I always wanted to be there for one of those, but never made it.

Niagara

(11,976 posts)
12. I hope that you get to Chevy Chase, MD at some point, 3catwoman3
Sun May 3, 2026, 04:03 PM
7 hrs ago

Even it's just to browse and people watch!

3catwoman3

(29,695 posts)
16. I've been there many times, as we lived near Andrews Air Force Base for 8 years...
Sun May 3, 2026, 04:23 PM
7 hrs ago

...during my husband's final AF assignment, and I used to buzz up there often to visit my aunt. Just never got there on Trash and Treasure day.

When my husband got his orders for Andrews, I had really hoped we could live in Chevy Chase or Bethesda. That was not to be, as it turned out that the squadron for which my husband was flying had a 30 minute report time in case someone important needed to be flown somewhere on short notice.

As you probably know, traffic around the beltway in the MD-DC-VA area totally sucks, and if you must be somewhere within 30 minutes, you probably can't live more than 5-7 miles away from wherever it is you need to get to. That limited us to the immediate environs around the base, which was rather downtrodden at the time - mid-1980s.

I did get to see Prince Charles and Princess Diana arrive at the base for their US tour.

And I loved seeing the cherry blossoms in the spring.

mopinko

(73,836 posts)
13. i dont do it these days, as i'm the 1 who needs to declutter, but
Sun May 3, 2026, 04:03 PM
7 hrs ago

i’ve twice found boxes of jewelry. nice jewelry. both times i assume it was someone who had died.
1 had a diamond and sapphire ring that i gave to my youngest. had a couple of large gold broaches.

when i moved into my house, the place next door was being cleaned out. the last heir of the original owners had died. 1 family from 1903 to 1987. they took 5 dumpsters of stuff out. grabbed a bunch of vintage xmas stuff. a few small pieces of furniture, including a coat rack i still have. couple gold rings. 2 ww2 gi foot lockers, tags still attached.
some1 will have a field day when i go. my kids dont want my stuff.

it is a thrill. i used to know which days were garbage days in the tony suburbs near me.

Niagara

(11,976 posts)
25. I don't trash pick as much I use to either, mopinko
Sun May 3, 2026, 05:56 PM
5 hrs ago

but there are some items that I'm still looking for.


I told my youngest child that they're going to be so mad at me for having to go through my stuff. The reply I got was, "I'm thinking you have some interesting items that we'd like to keep for ourselves."

It made me feel better!

Marthe48

(23,330 posts)
14. Nice reuse
Sun May 3, 2026, 04:07 PM
7 hrs ago

And nicely eclectic. I loved picking up curbside. My daughter went to OU and at the time mentioned that there was always a lot of stuff set out at the end of the quarters. I didn't time any visits to look for treasures, but we would get things other ways. And if we had extra, we'd give it to people who needed it
You were lucky to find your treasure. Mark Twain said Bermuda was a piece of heaven.

Niagara

(11,976 posts)
27. Thank you, Marthe
Sun May 3, 2026, 05:59 PM
5 hrs ago

I think that happens frequently at many colleges. An abundance of throw aways at the end of each year.

Bermuda was certainly a piece of heaven.

Deuxcents

(27,487 posts)
15. I have a friend who finds old broken down furniture and when she's done with it, looks brand new..
Sun May 3, 2026, 04:23 PM
7 hrs ago

She got me into “junkin” as she called it. It is amazing what people throw away and where we’d go was an expensive zip code as people changed their decor every season. New or gently used, and it was fun! She just texted me yesterday with some finds she found at an estate sale

Niagara

(11,976 posts)
29. "Junkin" I like that term, Deuxcents
Sun May 3, 2026, 06:07 PM
5 hrs ago

Yes, it's amazing and sort of crazy what other people dispose of.

3Hotdogs

(15,486 posts)
17. ---D.C., long about 50 yers ago. A framed, autographed photo of Supreme Court justices --- including,
Sun May 3, 2026, 04:24 PM
6 hrs ago

William Taft,
Oliver Wendel Holmes

Years latter, I took it to be reframed. Owner of the frame shop called to say a lawyer wanted it for his office. Would I sell it for $600.00?

Yes.

LuckyCharms

(22,938 posts)
18. You done good, Niagara!
Sun May 3, 2026, 04:28 PM
6 hrs ago

I have a lot of respect for people who rescue/repurpose items from the curb. You should be proud of yourself!

I'll tell you what, I wouldn't mind having those chairs!

Bermuda was a handsome boy.

Keep up the good work!

Niagara

(11,976 posts)
31. Thank you, Lucky
Sun May 3, 2026, 06:20 PM
5 hrs ago

I hate seeing perfectly usable items sitting at the curb.

They're really nice chairs too, I've never had a set like them before.

Thanks, Bermuda thought that he was handsome boy too!

I definitely will!



BeneteauBum

(688 posts)
19. We have a free table at our marina
Sun May 3, 2026, 04:45 PM
6 hrs ago

It’s amazing what people throw out. Many times I have upgraded with people’s leavings.

Peace ☮️

Keepthesoulalive

(2,361 posts)
20. I call us rescuers
Sun May 3, 2026, 04:53 PM
6 hrs ago

We take what others don’t value preserve them and give to those in need, we also keep them out of landfills. None of my furniture matches and I’m good with that.

Figarosmom

(12,896 posts)
21. Good job.
Sun May 3, 2026, 05:14 PM
6 hrs ago

Should have taken the frames and just left them outside till morning. Live and learn.

Permanut

(8,513 posts)
22. Well done, especially Bermuda..
Sun May 3, 2026, 05:25 PM
5 hrs ago

We found a kitten by the rairoad tracks when on a bike ride to a frozen yogurt shop years ago.

Took him home, called him Yogurt.

Still miss him.

Niagara

(11,976 posts)
28. I used Clorox cleaner plus bleach in a spray bottle, 2MuchNoise
Sun May 3, 2026, 06:04 PM
5 hrs ago

I didn't have a place to put it outside without risking killing the grass.

https://democraticunderground.com/11587936

HeartsCanHope

(1,735 posts)
32. Love looking at trash to treasure stories!
Sun May 3, 2026, 06:21 PM
5 hrs ago

I love what you've done with everything. The eclectic mix of of styles is lovely. Our house is furnished that way.

Most of my cats were "throwaways". I love them all and miss them every day. Some of my babies

have been gone for decades. Bermuda is gorgeous! I agree that Bermuda is the best treasure of all!

Marthe48

(23,330 posts)
36. I parked at the IGA last fall
Sun May 3, 2026, 07:01 PM
4 hrs ago

There was a pickup with a few odd chairs. I looked at them on the way in. When I came out, the driver was sitting on the tailgate eating his lunch. We said hi, and I said the chairs looked nice. He said he was taking them to the landfill. I said what a shame. He looked them over, decided to keep one and gave me the other. It is a heavy solid wood dining chair. I have it in my kitchen for now

eppur_se_muova

(42,321 posts)
37. For a second there, I thought you were going to write "someone threw out this perfectly good pizza ... "
Sun May 3, 2026, 10:46 PM
37 min ago

Please don't go down that path, Niagara !

Our late neighbor used to be very into this. One day she let me know that a near neighbor of ours was throwing away a bunch of old computers -- turned out to be FOUR -- which I rescued. One was a dual-processor IBM server (from just before they became LeNovo) with two quad-core processors, which I upgraded to faster quad-cores for about $20, and later to hex-core processors after prices came down. It has 12 DRAM slots, supporting 16GB each (I only have 8 in each) and three FULL-LENGTH PCIe card slots, as well as a PCI slot, six SATA drive bays (plus CD/DVD), 1kW PSU (or is it 1.1?), fans for the drives and CPUs, even for the RAM banks (OK, I had to buy those). Quite a hulkster, even if the CPU technology is a bit behind the times. I have computationally-intense jobs that benefit more from 12 cores and 96GB of RAM than from superfast CPUs, so it's a good deal for a FREE computer !

I also picked up some jumbo flat-screen TVs that I think may have only PSU problems -- there was a plague of bad PSU capacitors a number of years ago -- and if I had a good workbench* I would have been working on them already.

We've only occasionally picked up furniture, though there are some examples in our house right now -- we don't get any more because there's no room, unless we throw other equally good furniture !




*good = at minimum, cat-free.

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