GameStop Responds to Dumpster Video

Dumpster diving at GameStop is nothing new. But a recent video on the subject called "GameStop is Cheap and Greedy" has led the video game retailer to issue a statement reaffirming its policies as it relates charitable giving. The statement also offers an explanation for what gets tossed out and why.

In a message on Facebook, GameStop said it routinely donates games and accessories to charity. The company only discards or destroys products in certain circumstances, such as when they are damaged or defective. This was thought to be the case for the video referenced above, GameStop said.

"Hey GameStop fans. We completely agree with the suggestions of donating games or accessories to charitable organizations," GameStop said. "We do that routinely with our partners Ronald McDonald House Charities, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital."

"Regarding the Dumpster Video: It is our company practice to discard or destroy products that are damaged, defective, no longer work, or cannot be repaired," it added. "It is our understanding that this was the case with the product shown in the video."

In the YouTube video--which has gathered more than 536,000 views--a man visits a GameStop dumpster and rips the company for "cutting" game discs and controller cords to make them unusable. "Why is it that you throw away all of your items instead of donating them to kids?" he asks.

"You buy your games cheap, you sell your games high, and you're cheap," he adds. "GameStop, you're horrible."

GameStop has been a significant supporter of Make-A-Wish for many years now. You can read more about the company's charitable giving guidelines here [PDF].