It’s pretty much the best kept secret in town. WLSSD aka, the DUMP. I mean, look at that picture. It is a heap of possibility. (And beehives) OUCH! Dig with care. I remember this moment with crystal clarity. As I pulled up with my trusty mini-van and trailer, I was full of energy and expectation. My wood pile at home was growing slim, and this was the ultimate haul!
You see, my job success depends on the use of recycled materials. I take scraps of discarded lumber, and I make them into one of a kind pieces of reclaimed art. That stack of pallets or that old door is just perfect for my use. The older and dirtier, the better. It’s always a creative high when it comes to sanding time. Just what lies beneath those layers of grime? Some of my most beautiful pieces have come from the oldest and grubbiest scrap.
Now, the dump is not only a place to find piles of pallets and boards. You’re probably reading this and thinking, what in the world am I going to do with a pile of scrap wood? Well, let me tell you. The DUMP has so much more to offer. It’s one of my favorite places to shop in town. These days, we aren’t needing as much as when our kids were itty bitty, and we were fixing up our home on the cheap. So, you may not find me there weekly. But, there were summers when we went to the dump every week to snatch up the best deals in town. And we all know the BEST deal is something free.
Now, shopping at the dump is not for the faint of heart. You’ve got to be willing to look past the dirt and grime, and see the TREASURE. Pull into the parking lot with wide eyes, and an expenctant spirit. I know you’ll find a treasure. If you are thinking you actually have to dig through garbage, let me ease your mind. This, is not so. WLSSD has buildings and containers set aside for us. They are plumb full of furniture, household items, building material, and so much more.
So, what would draw you to shop at the dump?
Furniture for your kids rooms. DONE. It might need some TLC, but you’ve got this girl.
How about a new bike. SOLD! We’ve brought home at least a dozen bikes over the years.
Thinking about starting a garden. BINGO. We’ve stocked the shed, thanks to the dump.
What about some plastic kids furniture for outside. SCORE. Go weekly, and I am sure you will find something.
Now, I’m just itching to show you one of my absolute favorite dump finds. When my hubs brought it home, I was less than impressed. I’ll admit. I wasn’t looking for more furniture. I didn’t want more junk in our house. But, thankfully, he saw the treasure and snatched it up. We are guessing that the piece below was a home in a greasy garage for upteen years. It was used to store nuts and bolts, washers and nails. After about 8 hours of cleaning, sanding, staining, and sealing, I had resurected this beautiful piece of furniture.
Check out the before.
And the after. 
Along with this beautiful treasure, we’ve also scored tables and chairs, dehumidifiers, toys, glassware, and many other household items.
Our most recent find was a brand new pair of pink boxing gloves. Yes ladies. Bright pink. They were the real deal and it was perfect timing. Our 13 year old boy had a birthday party to attend that night for his buddy next door. We hadn’t yet gotten a gift. As soon as we laid eyes on those beauties, we knew it was the perfect FREE gift.
So ladies, let me give me some tips for your back pocket as you head out the door to the dump.
- Visit often.
- Look past the dirt.
- Look for forms and shapes that are good and solid. You can always sand and paint anything.
Happy scavenging!
