Business

Store Wants To Stop 'Leaning Tower Of Couches'

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) ― A thrift store in Boulder took action to stop University of Colorado students from dumping their junk in its parking lot.

At the end of every school year, students dump furniture, clothing and appliances in front of the Saver thrift store. This year, the store manager has hired security guards to keep students away.

Some call the junk pile that has accumulated in the past the "leaning tower of couches." Students actually once built a pyramid out of couches that stood 30 feet tall.

"They do this every year," Saver store manager Bobbi Cloke said. "And every year, it got worse."

Cloke said private security is cheaper than what it cost to clear last year's mini-landfill. It took seven semi trucks and an entire year to get rid of the trash at a cost of thousands of dollars, including a $2,000 fine from the city.

But as one man's trash is another's treasure, Cloke's burden is Lilly Wallace's business, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? She picks-up, hauls away and disposes of junk.

"We came up with an idea," Wallace said. "Let's offer a discount during heavy move out season May 4 to 14."

CU senior Brian Mahoney decided to use the service. Within minutes, crews took away everything from a table to a TV. In the past, Mahoney said he would just leave the junk behind.

"I got charges from the landlords and it was just a big pain," Mahoney said. "This is perfect. It's better than taking it to the dump."

Wallace said 70 percent of stuff they pick up they recycle or donate to thrift stores, so students can buy back their stuff next year.

Next Wednesday only, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? will offer a 50 percent discount to CU students. They said they are already getting booked.

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