Carter Stevens and His Unconventional Pursuit of the American Dream

In the heart of Nashville, Carter Stevens sifts through a dumpster located behind a luxury condominium. This scene is part of his routine as he looks for items discarded by the residents of the high-rise.

Draped over the edge of the dumpster are dresses hanging on plastic hangers. Nearby, a 65-inch flat-screen television protrudes through a pile of cardboard boxes. A marble side table, gleaming brightly, is wedged among the trash bags and catches the eye under the midday sun.