Many people today are developing a new hobby. They drive around scouting out dumpsters. When they find a good prospect, they jump in. Off they go rummaging around in dumpster after dumpster mining for treasure. This hobby is called “Dumpster Diving.”
Dumpster diving can actually be great fun if you just follow a few simple guidelines. First, you don't generally "dive" into the dumpster. That's a recipe for getting hurt or sick or both. Don't climb into any dumpster that you aren't certain you can climb back out of. This is a silly enough hobby without having to call for assistance to get out. Since the government ruled that anything in the trash is fair game, you don't have to worry about getting into trouble unless you have to trespass to dumpster dive.
When preparing for your dive, it's a good idea to empty your pockets. You don't want to risk losing something more valuable than you find. Don't wear anything to a dumpster dive that you wouldn't mind having to burn. You just don't know what might be lurking in that dumpster waiting to get all over your clothes. Wear good sturdy shoes or boots. You need to make it hard for a nail or sharp piece of metal to pierce your feet and ankles. Don't forget gloves. These will keep the splinters and cuts to a minimum.
I personally recommend carrying some type of club. Sometimes animals like to dumpster dive, too. While they almost always vacate the premises when you step in, they may feel cornered. You don't want to have to take on a raccoon or some wild cat. Even bears have been known to check out an enticing dumpster now and then. You may even want a little pepper spray just in case.
Take along some cheap twine or rope. If you find something good, you may need to be able to bundle it up to carry it. Like most people who do this, I have found toys, tools, office supplies, and a host of other items. Keep on the look out for metals that can be recycled for a few bucks. Copper wiring, aluminum cans, chunks of various metals are all able to be recycled.
You can often find usable lumber in dumpsters. This is always true at construction sites. These are also the places you are most likely to get into trouble for trespassing because they're always worried that you are a thief and not a dumpster diver. If the dumpster is being filled from a remodeling job, you may find furniture and household items. Just keep your eyes open.
Stay out of dumpsters filled with old food. About all that you will find there is illness and flies. The smell alone will usually keep you out. Never let a lid close over you. You don't want to appear to be hiding. This can bring screams from the locals who come out to add to the contents of the dumpster. Be as obvious as you can. If you are embarrassed to be there, find a new hobby.
If driving to the dumpsters in a car, make sure that you have materials to line the trunk or cover the interior of the car. This way, you can haul off anything you find without ruining your vehicle. Some air freshener in the car might not hurt either. Have a friend with a truck that you can call if needed. Sometimes dumpsters will have a large item that you believe can't be lived without. You will need a way to get it home. You might need that friend to hide it until you can break the news to your spouse.
When you are in a neighborhood that is dumpster challenged, don't be afraid to cruise on trash day. I have found lawn furniture, tables, lawn mowers, and many other items often in perfect condition sitting at the curb waiting for the trash man. I just drive down the street slowly like I would to look over items at a yard sale. The key is to not linger too long at one address because there is a fine line between digging in trash and being accused of casing someone's residence.
