I am such a trash picker, you have no idea! My entire apartment has been furnished out of people's trash.

Several months ago the folk next door got evicted by their landlord (gosh is this familiar? actually it is rare in this neighborhood) and the owner of the house ended up having to clear out all their stuff.

I scored a HUGE set of Klipsch (sp?) speakers big as fridges which I gave to a friend to use in his barn. True party speakers.

I got a Hobart Kitchen Aid mixer with all the attachments (these sell for at least $200).

Also some lovely ceramic pasta bowls made in Italy (which I sold for a pittance at my recent moving sale).

Also, over the last four years in this neighborhood: a desk, a chest of drawers, a nice dining rom set which the owners delivered to my door (they were thrilled it was not just going to go in the trash), a couch, loveseat, folding screen, leather desk chair, PC monitor, 16mm projector, cast iron park bench, vinyl records, etc etc.

I also shop in thrift shops and that is where most of my clothing comes from.