Discarded treasures find new life within these walls. Welcome to the Treasures in the Trash Museum. This museum is a testament to one man’s passion. Nelson Molina, a sanitation worker, created this unique collection. It’s a hidden gem in East Harlem.
For over 30 years, Molina has collected discarded items. He found them on his sanitation route. His route covered 96th to 106th Street between First and Fifth Avenues. Molina’s keen eye could spot potential treasures. He could identify them by their shape or sound. He called it his “sensors” going off.
The Treasures in the Trash Museum occupies the second floor of a sanitation garage. It’s the MANEAST 11 garage. The space opened up when trucks could no longer park there. Molina filled the void with his growing collection.
The collection is diverse. Paintings, posters, and signs cover the walls. Objects are arranged on tables and shelves. There are sections for various themes. These include Africa, China, and American Indian artifacts. One can find guitars, diplomas, and rubber balls. Brass hardware and vacuums are also displayed. Stained-glass church windows stand tall.
Molina started collecting at age nine. Growing up in East Harlem, his family did not have much. He fixed broken toys he found in the trash. He gave them to his siblings. This passion continued into his career.
Technically, sanitation workers cannot take items from the trash. But Molina’s dedication earned him an exception. He never took the found objects home. He expanded his collection from the locker room. It grew to fill an entire floor.
Other sanitation workers contribute to the museum. Building supers also set aside items for him. But Molina has the final say. He decides what gets included. He curates the collection with care.
The Treasures in the Trash Museum showcases New York City’s history. Each object tells a story. A medal made from World Trade Center wreckage commemorates 9/11. A globe from Hurricane Sandy sits on display. Discarded portraits reflect the city’s diverse faces.
Molina fixes and revitalizes his finds. He reframes pictures and touches up paint. He repairs broken furniture. A stained-glass window from an old church is a combination of old and new.
The museum is not open to the general public. But it has gained attention over the years. Articles and blog posts have featured Molina’s work. It’s a unique collection. It highlights what people discard.
The future of the Treasures in the Trash Museum is uncertain. The building may be torn down. But Molina’s legacy will live on. His collection reflects New York City’s collective memory. It showcases the hidden beauty in everyday objects. It transforms trash into treasure.