When I was new to Japan and flat broke, I needed some things I could not afford. They had a special day for getting rid of unwanted large items. People were throwing away good stuff. I got a refrigerator, small boom box, futons and a bicycle in one trip. I moved them into my apartment right away and was pretty much set. I afterward went out a couple more times and completely furnished my apartment with what I found, for free. Yes, people do throw away good stuff, usually because they are updating something.