Baltimore resident and mother of two, Jennifer Lleras, has turned her unusual hobby into a lucrative venture, amassing an estimated $2 million worth of discarded items over the past two decades.
Lleras, 40, began dumpster diving during her college years, inspired by an art professor who suggested students seek out materials for their projects in trash bins.
Despite her successful career as a marketing agency owner, Lleras continues her weekly "treasure hunts," often incorporating them into her routine errands. She focuses on dumpsters located near storefronts, where she has discovered items ranging from a $500 Dyson Air Wrap hairdryer to a $400 Le Creuset Dutch oven, all in excellent condition.
"I find it fun [but] I dont think it saves me a ton of money because I keep things I like, not things I need," Lleras admitted. Her home now boasts a comprehensive security system, robot vacuums on every floor, a voice-activated trash can, and high-end cookware, all courtesy of her dumpster diving pursuits.
Lleras also revealed that she has gifted some of her finds to family members. "My sister loves when I find decorations and kitchenware to go in her home," she said.
Annually, Lleras estimates that she acquires about $100,000 worth of items from dumpsters around town. However, she expressed disappointment at the wastefulness of stores that discard usable items rather than donating them. "Its really sad that the stores could take this stuff and donate [it to a place where it] will be used, but they dont," she lamented.
In addition to keeping some items, Lleras donates those in good condition, including party supplies, non-perishable goods, and toys. She also noted the disheartening practice of some stores deliberately damaging items with paint or bleach before discarding them to deter dumpster divers.
Despite her extensive collection of finds, Lleras insisted that she is not a hoarder and maintains an uncluttered home. "My house isnt cluttered, but if I find things I need or can use, I will hold onto them," she clarified.
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