Planet Money cover image

Planet Money

The junkyard economist

May 24, 2024
Join Jon Rolston, a seasoned junkman in San Francisco, as he takes listeners on an eye-opening journey through the world of reusable trash. With two decades of experience, Jon reveals how discarded items can signal economic trends and even hold hidden treasures. From evaluating metals and tires to sharing his adventures uncovering surprising finds like gold rings and bundles of cash, he highlights the art of valuing what others see as clutter. This humorous exploration challenges perceptions of waste and celebrates the second chances our junk can take.
25:36

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding the junk market can reveal significant economic trends.
  • Junk can be repurposed for profit with expertise in identifying valuable materials and markets.

Deep dives

Exploring the Value of Junk

John Ralston, a junk collector, sees discarded items not as trash, but as economic indicators and potential money-makers. By understanding the junk market, one can grasp various economic trends. Through his expertise, John turns trash into treasure by selling valuable materials like copper, aluminum, and lead to recycling centers, demonstrating the financial potential hidden in what others may perceive as junk.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode