Man transforms waste into wealth, makes ?56 lakh annually through dumpster diving, here's his story

Leonardo Urbano, a 30-year-old Sydney resident who discovered a "gold mine" in the city's rubbish, exemplifies the saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure."?

Last year, Urbano earned up to $100,000 Australian dollars (about. 56 lakh) by exploring Sydney's rubbish heaps for unknown treasures and then selling them. According to reports, he discovered wads of cash, coffee makers, gold jewellery, and even Fendi bags.

How does the man start dumpster diving every day??

Every morning after breakfast, Urbano would drive or ride his bike through Sydney's streets | Image: Canva

Every morning after breakfast, Urbano would drive or ride his bike through Sydney's streets in quest of rubbish mounds, uncovering something new each day. "You could see mountains of stuff—literally mountains. And that's when I find the majority of the material. Large objects, such as refrigerators, wardrobes, and couches, will be stored there. My friends are surprised at how much good clothing, especially perfect clothing, ends up in the trash," he told CNBC Make It.

Also read:?Oops! Man mistakes Tesla Cybertruck for a dumpster

How much did the man make??

Urbano claimed to have made approximately $200 on the sale of a little Fendi purse. He added that he looks for real luxury things by comparing serial numbers on sites like Entropy. He also claimed to consult with acquaintances who are high-end merchants.?

What all did the man find??

Urbano believes that the massive and heavy devices he discovers were abandoned because they are too difficult to manage or carry | Image: Pexels

Urbano believes that the massive and heavy devices he discovers were abandoned because they are too difficult to manage or carry.According to CNBC Make It, he has accumulated over 50 television sets, 30 refrigerators, 20+ washing machines, 50 computers/laptops, up to 15 couches, 50 vacuums, and more. Urbano refers to himself as "The Trash Lawyer" because he believes "trash" should be able to survive.

Also read:?Artist Struggling To Rent Affordable Places Turned Dumpster Into Tiny Home For Nearly Rs 4 Lakhs

He told CNBC that he has been trash diving for the past four years, using the money to pay rent and make a life.?

Australia generated approximately 75.8 million tons of garbage in fiscal year 2020-2021, according to the country's most recent biennial national waste report. That is more than a 3% rise over the 2018-2019 fiscal year. Landfills receive approximately 30% of the waste produced.?

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