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Here are
some tips:
What to
bring:
Comfortable
clothes
Baby wipes
Flashlight
Milk crate (for stepping stool)
Pocket knife
Grocery bags/trash bags
Gloves
Large enough vehicle (don't want to find you don't
have enough space for your stash)
First aid kit
Unger
or poking stick
Friends
Twine
Tape
When to
dive:
Each person
has their own preferable time to dive, but I recommend early morning
or late night. Don't dive after midnight to avoid confrontations.
Dive consistently. Remember, you may not find something each time
you go. It's the thrill of the hunt. You never know when a dive
will be a lucky one.
Where to
dive:
You can start
by mapping out or scoping the following areas-
Florists
Thrift stores
Strip malls
Grocery stores
Department stores
Residential (apartment/condo)
Video stores
Bookstores
Toy stores
Electronic stores
Craft stores
Recycle bins
Hotels

What to
do if confronted:
It's a good
idea to say that you are looking for boxes. Most store personnel
are more concerned with you dumping your trash into their dumpster
vs. taking items from their dumpster. This is not the time to
be defensive. Be polite and leave as soon as possible. If you
know your area's law, then you can always come back later. You
may want to consider not diving in your immediate area, if you
are concerned about being recognized.
Is it illegal:
You can check
for your local area ordinances or call your police department
to inquire. Most areas consider trash public domain. Be sure to
check that it is not a breach of privacy in your area. Do not
dive in fenced area dumpsters or where any do not trespass signs
are posted.
How long
per dive:
Do not dive
in one dumpster over ten minutes. The longer you are there, the
higher your chances are for being confronted. Be as quick as possible.
Be discreet. Keep in mind small things like not parking your car
directly next to the dumpster.
Warnings:
Beware of
sharp objects/broken glass etc and use common sense.
Remember some dumpster lids slam shut.
Never leave a mess.
Avoid food or foul smelling dumpsters
Do not take personal paperwork
Don't vandalize/break locks

What treasures
have you found?
Email me at
webmaster and tell
me about your treasures. I will list your finds.
Dumpster
diving book:
Art
and Science of Dumpster Diving
by John Hoffman
People
who dive:
Many people
find it gross to dumpster dive. There are many folks other than
the homeless or desperate that dumpster dive. Here is a list of
types of people that also dive.
Kids/teens/college
students
Antiques dealers
Interior designers
Environmentalists
Artists
Anyone that wants to save money, make money, clean
the community, and have a fun adventure.
More Dumpster Diving
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