"Better Than My Good Stuff": Woman’s Rich Neighbourhood Garbage Finds Spark Debate Online

• A woman's video showcasing items she found while garbage picking in a wealthy neighbourhood has sparked an online conversation about waste and consumer habits
• The video highlights the stark contrast between what some communities consider trash and what others might find valuable, raising questions about privilege and inequality
• The practice of urban scavenging or curb picking has gained visibility through social media, promoting recycling and reducing waste by giving discarded items a new home

A woman sparked an online conversation after sharing a video of items she discovered while garbage-picking in a wealthy neighbourhood.

The clip, uploaded by the lady herself under the handle @therichgoodwill, has since gained attention on social media. In the video, @therichgoodwill revealed an array of household goods that had been discarded but appeared to still be in usable condition.

Among the items showcased were bar stools, tables, a soccer net, cupboards, lamps, carpets and mats, as well as paintings. Viewers were surprised at the sheer variety and quality of the discarded items, with many remarking that the furniture and décor could easily be reused, refurbished, or resold.

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While taking to her TikTok caption, @therichgoodwill simply said:

"Unedited. Unfiltered. Just me, the curb, and what the rich left behind."

@therichgoodwill's video, which was released on 2 September 2025 on TikTok, highlighted how much potentially valuable property ends up on the curb in affluent areas, raising questions about waste and consumer habits. Some social media users praised her for making use of the items, while others expressed disbelief at how people could throw away goods that still seemed functional.

The practice of picking through discarded goods, often referred to as “urban scavenging” or “curb picking,” is not new, but it has gained more visibility through social media platforms. Many argue that it promotes recycling and reduces waste, especially when discarded items can find a new home.

The video has also sparked debate about privilege and inequality, with some pointing out that what one community considers trash could be a treasure for another. For the TikTok user @therichgoodwill, showcasing her finds, the clip not only entertained but also shed light on the stark contrasts in how different communities handle material possessions.

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Netizens react to rich garbage picking in wealthy areas

The online community reacted, taking to the comments to rave over the items on display, with some praising the rich for doing so.

Natasharayemiller said:

"These rich people are so awesome putting this out for people!"

Kate Lessy added:

"These people should donate these things instead of filling up landfills."

JεεpGirl expressed:

"Their garbage is better than my good stuff... OUCH.."

Charmine Smith added:

"If I were a garbage man, I would have someone in a truck drive behind me to separate the good stuff for myself!"

Ava Stasiuk shared:

"All those planters, lamps, patio furniture. All the things I need, but can’t afford them."

Buttercup replied:

"When I was younger, we used to go down in St Clair Shores, Michigan, where there are a ton of mansions, just crazy expensive stuff they just want to get rid of."

Watch the video below:

3 Briefly News stories about expensive houses in Mzansi

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• The real estate industry is one of the most profitable sectors that South Africa takes pride in, and the price of the most expensive houses in South Africa highlights how true this statement is.
• A list of the five most expensive celebrity houses in South Africa, and we have had a glimpse of their luxurious residences.
• One of the most expensive houses in South Africa is set to be sold for a mind-boggling R230 million and hasn't even been constructed as yet.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News