Nail Gun or Wind Turbine?

Watch Video: Nail Gun? Wind Turbine? Cheesecake? >

The Dumped challenge is all about learning to see rubbish as a resource. Not only are the group finding items on the dump to build with or use on a day-to-day basis, they're also learning which stuff around them still has a monetary value.

Ray, the scrap man, will soon be back. This week, if they make enough cash off him, they have the chance to hire a wind turbine and create a limited amount of totally green electricity. There is also the chance to buy a nail gun. Or will they be tempted instead by a bottle of wine and some other creature comforts they're allowed to buy?

Nail gun or wind turbine?

This week they almost doubled their haul from £45 to £85. Clearly, they're beginning to learn more about the rubbish around. But what will they spend it on? Some voices in the group are keen to get a nail gun. But Ian, who's frustrated at the lack of help he's receiving as he tries to construct a new shelter, thinks it's a big waste of money: 'I think if you all started hammering, we wouldn't need a nail gun. Think about it logically people, you're not all idiots but you're acting like ones.'

Jarvis agrees: 'I think his point is that if we all chip in with a hammer and nail, there's 10 of us, but only one person can use the nail gun. I'm quite happy to wake up tomorrow, fresh strong, ready to get on with it.'

Free energy

Ian's argument helps carry the day. They decide to hire the wind turbine, which arrives the next morning. It's big enough to charge a 12-volt battery, but first it needs to be put up. To avoid any interference in the wind currents, it has to be raised six metres above the dump, so it's a job for the whole group to erect.

Their dump is naturally a very windy place, with a strong breeze blowing in off the landfill. As the group remove the pin from the turbine and the sails start turning, they're pleased. They now have a source, albeit limited, of totally clean energy. Having found a caravan fridge on the dump, for the first time in almost two weeks they have a way of keeping their food fresh…