Sunday, August 27, 2006

Trash Chute Shopping

I have lived in my condo building for 5 1/2 years now. It's not a tremendously tall high rise - only 4 stories and 36 units. However with multi-unit buildings comes the trash chute room. God forbid we should actually take our trash to the dumpster like apartment dwellers. What's the point of owning if you have to take your trash outside to an unsightly dumpster bin? Throwing your trash down a chute is much more dignified if you can get past the stench in the room, cram your overstuffed garbage bags or too big boxes down the tiny hole in the wall and a door that slams shut before you can even lift anything to the opening.

Anyway, in the time I have lived in this building my neighbors tend to leave items that don't really want to throw away or give away. I haven't quite figured this out since I have always been able to give away items I didn't want. My sister has been the beneficiary of storage containers, computers (2), a printer, desk and chair. Otherwise if she doesn't want it, I give it to goodwill. I figure someone less fortunate than me could find good use of the item. As for my neighbors I suppose they are just being neighborly by leaving their unwanted items for the rest of us. In the past I have found planters, plants, bowls, plastic storage containers, and small furniture. I don't always take or like the stuff I find; however if it is in good condition and I have a place for the item - why not? I have acquired huge pottery for my balcony, a beautiful foot stool that my niece and nephew use as a chair (since they are under the age of 10 and the stool is just right for them) and my latest find an Orrefors candy dish. So I send a thanks to my neighbor who left this candy dish today. I love trash chute shopping - now if we can just do something about the stench.....

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3 comments:

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

What do they say, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." I almost wrote "One man's drunk" by mistake!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I wish I knew. I just moved and left a ton of cool stuff in my trash chute room (is that the offical name now?) because I was too lazy to shove any more into my car... could you have used a half-working vaccuum cleaner?

Paperback Writer said...

I love those times when people leave their stuff out. Good stuff too. I've acquired a very nice lazy boy recliner, a cabinet and several bookcases. In turn, I've left out non working fans, good pieces of lumber, a microwave and various dishes.

Gone. Always gone.