That might be true, but it doesn't refute the idea that a) the value listed in the blog is quite possibly inflated, b) it makes financial sense for the students to throw out stuff like used shoes. Of course dumpster divers always find valuables, but it's also a fact that people moving out often give away valuables they can't take with them. There are even expat boards in Facebook where people give away things before moving abroad. In fact, there are businesses specialized in clearing out rentals for a fee, meaning people pay companies to take away stuff they use, including furniture and appliances, even when they are in perfectly good condition.