A woman from New York has uncovered items valued at over 250,000 Rs in just the past six months by sifting through trash cans and garbage bags. Her finds include Hermes boxes, Prada shoes, and vintage Burberry coats, some worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Ariana Rodriguez, a 35-year-old mother of three, began her thrifting journey three years ago after joining a local “Buy Nothing” Facebook group. That’s where she first learned about “slouching”—collecting items left out on the street. The concept of finding free products, especially for her three young kids, really captivated her.
About six months ago, she expanded her efforts to diving into dumpsters and garbage bags. She estimates her discoveries range in value from $10,000 to $30,000. Rodriguez keeps some arts and crafts items for her children but also distributes or sells what she finds. Any non-perishable items, like clothes or blankets, are donated to her local church to assist those in need.
Ms. Rodriguez approaches her treasure hunts with a sense of style, dressing well to challenge the stigma associated with dumpster diving. “Anyone can do this,” she mentioned. “I really hope people start to see there’s nothing wrong with it.”
Her recent haul includes a Stokke High Chair valued at $397, gaming bags worth $200, and a glass vanity costing $2,500. She often resells furniture, while smaller items may be put up for sale.
She believes her activities also play a part in reducing waste. “My main goal is to prevent things from ending up in landfills,” she explained.
Rodriguez regularly attends apartment clean-outs, where people discard unwanted furniture. She has discovered mirrors, nightstands, real gold jewelry, and even cash. One of her most notable finds is a briefcase that she believes dates back to the 1960s.
“It’s amazing what people throw away,” she remarked.
Despite facing criticism over the perceived unsanitary nature of her pursuits, she remains unfazed. “It feels worse to overconsume and just throw everything away,” she noted. Her husband, a day trader, even accompanies her on these outings, turning it into a family affair.
Rodriguez’s recent discoveries include tables priced between $750 and $3,500, basketball hoops worth $35, and a bag filled with games valued at $200. She compares dumpster diving to searching for treasure. “You never know what you’ll find,” she said, observing that each dive reveals a glimpse into someone else’s life and adds a historical aspect to her explorations.
