The Jersey Shore has long been known for its sandy beaches and million-dollar homes, but one Pennsylvania man has found fame chasing something a little less glamorous: other people’s trash.
James Graef, better known online as Tucker Upper, has captured the imagination of viewers around the world by turning a simple hobby into a YouTube sensation.
With over 200,000 subscribers, Tucker has become a go-to source for fans fascinated by his unique “treasure hunts” through the streets of New Jersey’s wealthiest neighborhoods.
Scouring the Shores for Hidden Gems
Tucker spends his time exploring affluent seaside towns like Stone Harbor and Avalon, where average home prices top $2 million.
These communities often leave out high-quality items on the curb for trash collection — TVs, dressers, bikes, and even golf clubs can be found if you know where to look.
“When you go picking in one of these beach towns, you never know what you will find,” Tucker told the Daily Mail.
“It’s a modern-day treasure hunt, and the thrill of what could be placed at the curb keeps me coming back for more.”
The Pickup Truck Chronicles
Armed with a pickup truck and a GoPro camera, Tucker navigates the neighborhoods, scanning for salvageable items.
He either keeps the treasures for himself or sells them online.
Some of his recent finds include a rare Bud Light Cannondale bicycle, a pristine dresser, and books in mint condition.
His weekly YouTube videos are a mix of excitement, storytelling, and practical advice, showing viewers how trash picking can be both fun and profitable.
A Hobby That Teaches Sustainability
Tucker emphasizes that his hobby isn’t just about the thrill of the hunt — it’s also an environmentally conscious practice.
“Enough with consumerism,” he says.
“It’s never going to be sustainable to keep buying new stuff when old stuff is still perfectly usable.”
He encourages his followers to see trash picking as a way to reduce waste and keep usable items out of landfills, while also providing a potential side hustle.
A Lifelong Passion
Tucker traces his interest back to his grandfather, who introduced him to treasure hunting at just eight years old.
From thrift store browsing to neighborhood trash scouting on his bike, his fascination only grew.
By age 16, he was selling scrap metal, and today, he and his wife even furnish their home with some of his finds.
Timing Is Everything
According to Tucker, the best months for trash picking are late summer and early autumn, when homeowners clear out items before the colder months.
Bulk pick-up days, in particular, are a goldmine. “You never know unless you go,” he says.
With more than 120 million visitors flocking to the New Jersey Coast each year, there’s no shortage of treasures waiting for those willing to look.
Teaching Others to Treasure Trash
Tucker hopes his videos inspire others to see the value in items others discard.
“Trash picking is wholesome fun for almost anyone to enjoy,” he says.
“It’s good for the environment, keeps stuff from ending up in a landfill, and I can make extra money for my family doing it.”
For Tucker Upper, one person’s trash isn’t just another pile of junk — it’s a chance to turn discarded items into adventure, profit, and sustainability.