I needed something at my church for collecting items like snacks or can goods, etc. But, I also wanted it to look nicer than just a cardboard box so I was very pleased with finding this hamper. It is a just right size for my needs. I can use the divider or not if I'm collecting two different things. Sturdiness - well for what I'm using it for it works fine with caution but I wouldn't put anything heavy on top of it it. Its original purpose is for collecting dirty clothes and it would be sturdy for that purpose...although, if you over stuffed it I suspect the walls would begin to bow out which could possible create a problem. The walls are thin and thinner than a cardboard box no it isn't as sturdy as a large cardboard box. I chose this item over a box covered in contact paper. I'll see in the long run whether I need to add additional support to it but I don't think that will be the case.