Marketplace®
Every story is an economic story

Making money off trash

Selling what others throw out

Garry Shigeharu Greene grew up in Los Angeles. He worked for a pool maintenance business and eventually he became the owner, but it all fell apart.

Garry soon found himself desperate to find work. After a few bouts of homelessness, he discovered a new job and for the past 20 years, he’s worked for himself, selling what others throw out: recyclable trash.

We caught up with Garry and his shopping cart at the Temple Street recycling facility.

Listen to the full interview in the audio player above.

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