I live in Guelph, and around the beginning & end of the school year for the university, the sidewalks are full of furniture left out for the garbage man. However, most of it is still in decent shape, it's just the previous owner needs to get rid of it asap (or doesn't have the transportation to take it to Value Village). So yes - back in the day I did my share of "recycling", but probably not something I'd do today!

I don't find any shame in it, Isn't that why people leave it there? I moved into a much too small apartment in University and couldn't fit an antique dresser into my room. I knew it was too beautiful to be unwanted, so I put it at the curb. It was gone in minutes. Not that I am picking though peoples bins or anything, but if it is something that is obviously been put out because its up for grabs go ahead.

Someone's trash is someone else's treasure... I have done it many times... even once a lamp that I rewired and sold it the week after for $120... And when I lived in Montreal someone asked me who was the disingner of my place... It was mostly all from the curb... I find something I get rid of something else.

Well Monsieur Trancis, it helps to have a little style...

The ultimate in Green living, non?

I once scored a full sized aqaurium with working pump and filter.

Orbital Arts started their business picking furniture off of curbs and refinishing it into art pieces.

just last week I picked up 2 Tarno chairs from Ikea, perfect condition. Then on the weekend I picked up 2 black plastic iron-look urns, again perfect condition, my best pick ever.  Also have picked up my dining room chandelier, amazng 1950's aluminum planters, mirror for my bathroom, numerous chairs for outside, etc.  I'm constantly on the look out

Where do you live Cathie? I'm coming to jog in your nabe!

My rule is nothing upholstered/cushiony. Hello...bedbugs!!! But found a great shelving unit that could have been custom made for my bathroom :)

Are you kidding it is the ulimate in recycling!  Just this week I found two galavanized boilers (which will sport some brightly coloured flowers or maybe a mini salad garden) and two Muskoka chairs of which one needs minor repair and both need new paint - MINOR details.  I have been walking my dog down in the alleys for that past few weeks checking for diamonds in the rough.  I have even found a few thinned out plants.  Back alleys have become like thrifty stores for me and I'm gettng excerise to boot.  Really it's a win-win situation!  Happy treasure hunting my fellow garbage pickers, or shall I call you die hard recyclers!  Here's to minor repairs and a whole lotta TCL!  Cheers from NE Saskatchewan!

I've been collecting curbside treasures since I was a little girl with my parents! There have been a few hits (like the huge red crate with the stamp of Digby Fisherman on the side which will soon become a toy box) and misses (when I plugged in the vintage fan and it spewed metal parts all over the kitchen causing my roomies and I to dive for cover!). I'm always on the lookout -- even picking up a weed wacker while touring in Niagara!

I almost forgot!. also one of my best picks: a McCoy jardiniere, not a scratch, not a crack, at the end of someone's driveway.  they sell on ebay for $100!

In Ottawa we have a free recycle date June 5 and folks put stuff at their curb they don't want.Last year,  I got a great double bedroom set for the cottage (I bought new mattresses), pressed back dining rooms chairs, bocci balls -8 sets, bikes, frames -- my cottage is all white and blue and shabby chic -all from great finds (even my one piece shower csot $50 (I was quoted$1250 for a new one).  I have been told it should be featured in a magazine -a great compliment for me...

Absolutely! I have picked up great finds, especially for my gardens. Mostly old and unwanted chairs and other things to display among the perennials.  The "hood" is a great place to shop!

I have been repainting and restoring finds from recovering things that others have discarded, these items become treasured memories because they come with stories and time and love that is spent in cleaning them up and making them part of our home. As a single Mom of 5, I had to be resourceful, and now my children are adults and they have carried on this tradition of restoring unique finds.

Love that Tobey!

I have a chair very similar to the one shown. I purchased a beautiful round cushion and now it's the most comfortable piece of furniture in my home. I have to admit.... I begged for mine.... shamelessly. Remarkably all the begging wasn't necessary because I found out shortly that the owner was going to sell it in a migration sale.... I got it FREE! Let me tell you... I've gained furniture not only by this method but also by turning someone's trash into my treasure. I was so excited to learn how you got your chair... almost proud really. Great find!!!

I've definitely picked stuff out of my condo's recycling room. No shame at all!

this is so funny the other nite we were walking my dog with my other half and it was garbage day first i see 3 huge planters, wich i wanted to buy at home depot for like 100.00 each the day before still walking i come across a patio table with chairs we are purchasing the company i work for and i wanted to buy a patio table and chairs for the workers to sit outside like my god i saved hundres of dollars.

Rescued from the curb:

- Antique pedestal sink, perfect condition.

- Flower pot, cracked, but okay if you turn it the right way.

- Iron garden chair.

- Wooden bookcase, painted lavender.

- Small armchair, later reupholstered for child's room.

- Two small wooden school chairs.

Our municipality has a spring clean up which is kind of a junk swap. Our neighbours left out a set of 4 french provincial chairs that were just needing some paint and fun new upholstry. I was too embarrased to take them during the day so I waited until it was dark, and made 4 quiet trips up and back the street, hoping no one would see. They were headed for the trash, but are in amazing condition. I still brag about my new chairs and how they started out.