Dumpster Diving for Beginners

Probably one of the first thing you will discover when dumpster diving is that people throw away a lot of good, useable material out of sheer laziness or lack of vision. Someone may deem an item trash simply because he or she no longer has a use for it.

For example, a working 13" T.V. might be thrown away because the owner has purchased a new 27" T.V. or a beautiful oak dresser might be thrown away because one of the knobs has broken off. To some, it may seem easier to replace the dresser than to find a suitable replacement for the broken piece.

Planning and preparation

To make the most of others generous discards, a little advanced planning and preparation is required. You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you are forced to leave an item behind because you do not have the necessary supplies on hand to get the item home. Just recently I missed out on a toy box and wicker trunk because I wasn’t properly prepared. By the time I got back—maybe ten minutes later—someone else had claimed both items.

Here’s a basic gear list to keep this from happening to you:

• Rope for securing large items
• Gloves for handling sharp objects
• Bungee cords
• Blankets
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat head)
• Hammer
• Wrench

Safe dumpster diving

There are also several safety issues to consider before going dumpster diving for the first time. The most important rule is to never go alone. Find a friend who shares your interest in salvage; and ask him or her to go with you. Not only will a partner make your hunt safer, but he or she will also serve as extra pair of hands for moving large items.

The next rule is to be smart about where you look for your trash finds. Do not jump into a dumpster if you are not sure of its contents. There is always the chance that a hypodermic needle or other sharp item could be lurking inside waiting for an unfortunate person to come along. I have actually seen someone get jabbed with a hypodermic needle left in a trash bag, so don’t think it doesn’t happen.

For my own safety I’ve chosen to limit my scavenging to items sitting next to dumpsters. I personally feel that a trash treasure is not a bargain if it comes with a large emergency room bill; and I know that there are enough treasures out there for me to find without having to risk injury.

If you decide to go into dumpsters after finds, make sure you are wearing the proper attire. I strongly recommend wearing pants and long sleeved shirts to protect your arms and legs. Gloves are also a good idea. The key is to cover as much of your body as possible.

If you are hesitant about climbing into a dumpster, but can't quite overcome the urge to take a peek, there is a middle ground. Simply attach a nail to the end of a long pole or stick, and you will have a device that you can use to poke around inside the dumpsters without having to climb inside.

Legal considerations

It is also very important that you check local laws and ordinances about dumpster diving in your area. While dumpster diving is completely legal in most places, it may not be legal where you live. Contact your local police department or city government to find out if there are any laws pertaining to dumpster diving.

Remember to be considerate of others when you are out scavenging for treasures. Do not cut locks on gates or dumpsters at any time. Locks send a very clear message that the owner does not want anyone tampering with their property; and that includes you. Even if dumpster diving is legal in your area, trespassing most definitely is not.

Similarly, if you see no trespassing signs posted on or near a dumpster, find another dumpster. No trash treasure is worth fines or time in jail.

A final word

I do not by any means intend for my advice to frighten you away from dumpster diving, rather my purpose is to get you to think about what you are doing, so that you can avoid any potential problems that might take away from your experience.

Happy diving!

-Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less. For fun decorating and craft project ideas check out Erin's "Trash to Treasures" and "Bead Making Basics" courses at Suite101.com.

This article was originally part of the "Trash to Treasures" course at Suite101.com.