Dumpster Diving

One man's trash is another man's treasure

By: Brandy baker

Posted: 3/8/07

You've just moved out for the first time and are in dire need of some furniture and accessories for the new place. As a college student on a budget, you've exhausted all the usual outlets-Goodwill, Salvation Army, the free section on Craigslist, garage sales, eBay, friends and family.
So, now what do you do? Check your local dumpster. It's called "dumpster diving." It may seem unusual, but after all one person's trash is another's treasure.
Well, what exactly is Dumpster Diving anyway? It's when you check out trash dumpsters to find things that are handy to you. For example, in the past few weeks I have seen many treasures at my own apartment complex-furniture, sporting goods and computer equipment-all thrown out by others just waiting for someone to take it away.
I just scored a lamp, a glass shelf for my bathroom, and a metal coffee table that resembles an X-wing from Star Wars. They're awesome and the best part is that it cost me absolutely nothing.
There are many other reasons for dumpster diving besides the need for furniture and accessories. Sadly, some have to do it out of necessity for food and clothing, but most do it to find unique art, usable items they can sell for profit or to donate to charity, and some just for the trill of the hunt. Whatever the reason, the practice of digging in the trash has never seemed more beneficial.
Besides, you don't have to physically dive in. Most people are too lazy to actually lift large or heavier objects into the trash bin. Often it's sat on the ground or propped up next to the dumpster. So, it's not nearly as gross as it all sounds but feel free to go all out.
If you are going to start dumpster diving, there are a few things you will need to bring, a few rules to know, and some etiquette to follow. These tips will help with safety, technique, locations and the overall success of the dive. You don't want to search all day for no reason!
Make a checklist of necessary tools for the job. The list should include plastic bags and cardboard boxes for gathering items, a long sturdy stick for moving around trash or poking around in bins, a flashlight, a friend and a first-aid kit is always helpful just in case you get a cut or scrape. Also, don't forget to remove any jewelry and to wear comfortable clothes, shoes and gloves.
There are some crucial rules for dumpster diving that if not followed could lead to major trouble. First, find out what the local laws are. The last thing you need is to get arrested while digging in the trash. Most cities allow the practice but if the dumpster is on private property there may be other restrictions. Never cross locked areas to get to a dumpster, that's considered trespassing.
When out diving, always practice proper etiquette. Yes, there is an etiquette to digging in the trash. First of all, don't make more of a mess than there already was. Don't rip open the bags and throw the trash around. Be as neat as possible and even pick up trash you didn't create. Try to be as quiet as you can, don't bang on the walls of the dumpster or slam the lids closed.
Now that you know how to prepare, this is how to be successful during your hunt for treasures. Of course one key factor in dumpster diving is location. You have the option of retail stores, residential areas or business offices depending on what you want to find.
For office supplies or computer equipment hit the businesses. If you want clothing, food or household items try retail. For furniture, clothes and art dive into residential areas. Hard to find local hot spots clear out fast so if you find a great location, keep it a secret. There are lots of Web sites that give advice and tips on locations but remember, if you are reading about it several other people probably are, too.
One of the best places to find discarded items for your new place are the college dorms. At the end of the semester, when classes are over and students are moving back home, they often throw out furniture and other items that they don't want or need anymore. The last week of classes is the best time to start looking because this is when most students begin packing. The CSULB dorms are home to more than 2,000 students so starting the week of May 21, you should see lots of items.
I, personally, recommend residential diving. It seems to be the most useful and easiest to find items. Before too long it will be time for "Spring Cleaning" and people will start to clean out the clutter, buy new things and re-organize their homes. That's why apartment complexes and condominiums are perfect for mass diving excursions, because of the multiple dumpsters available.
This is how 24-year-old CSULB student Jacklyn O'Connor finds her treasures.
"We have to drive down the alley behind our apartment to park in the garage. I pass about four dumpsters on the way," she said. "I got started in 2002, about a year into college. I found this really cool bare wooden dresser. I took it home and refinished it."
The health science major has been diving for nearly five years and her awesome finds are endless.
"I found an old map of the world that was framed and the side table next to my couch. I painted it, now it looks new." Jacklyn doesn't just think of herself when she spots a find, "I just found a wicker table and redid it for my pregnant friend."
Her advice to students is to be discreet and quiet. Don't dive when there are a lot of people around because there is a stigma attached to it.
Another important factor in a successful hunt is time of day. For business offices, the best time is weekdays after they close and for retail the best time is after operating hours any day.
This way you'll least likely be confronted by any company employees or store owners. For residential diving, it is best to dive early morning when the trash has just been put out. You can dive any day but weekends are good because of major house cleaning and garage sales. I don't recommend diving after 10:30 p.m. It just looks too suspicious for someone to be rummaging through people's trash that late at night.
Okay, you know what you need, what to do, where and when to go, and how to dumpster dive. So now that you have the tricks of the dumpster diving trade, you should be well prepared for dive number one, right? It may seem hard at first but with perseverance you can succeed.
Find out where it's consistent and return there often. Look everyday Trash doesn't take a day off and neither should you. Once you've learned to use your dumpster eyes, findings will come easier.
Trust me, when you can sit around your pad smiling about all the cool things acquired from dumpster diving, you'll appreciate it. I know, it's still digging in the garbage but just because it's someone else's trash, doesn't mean it can't be your treasure!