dumpster diving, curb cruising, and the like…

DON'T DO THIS

What’s wrong with the image above? 1. no gloves 2. jumping in and out of a dumpster with reckless abandon 3. my mother doesn’t approve. What’s right? 1. I have permission from this thrift store to look through their dumpster 2. I’m with a friend (the photographer of this amazing picture) 3. I’m wearing closed-toed shoes.

If you are thinking about searching for some treasures, there are a few things you should keep in mind before diving into your local dumpster.

Basic Considerations

Don’t scavenge in any place that you don’t have permission. While most people are ok with (and even excited about) the idea of something they threw out being reused by someone else, some people and organizations don’t want you going through their trash. Here are  some general rules of thumb:

• Private dumpsters and trash cans are off limits unless you have received permission from the owner.
• Dumpsters that are managed by the city are ok to look through. Remember, the good stuff is not usually inside the dumpster, it’s next to it!
• If objects are left next to a dumpster or on the curb in front of a house or building, they are usually up for grabs.

If you are unsure about a garbage situation, contact your local government or police station for guidance on the rules and regulations of the trash in your town.

Always Wear Gloves and Closed-Toed Shoes

I use a pair of leather work gloves, which help when picking up old wood and metal that might cut your hands or leave you with splinters. Even a pair of rubber gloves will help if you are concerned about getting dirty and know you won’t be picking up anything that isn’t in pretty good condition. Close-toed shoes help keep your feet and toes safe, and make it easier to walk while moving larger items.

Travel with a Friend

If you are driving to a dumpster, walking down your neighborhood alleys, or checking out the curbs during large item collection, it is always a good idea to go with someone! First of all, it is more fun to rummage through a good pile of discarded objects with a friend. Your partner might see something you missed, and garbage always makes for great conversation. Secondly, it is a good idea to have someone with you in case you run into some funny characters around the dumpster or encounter someone who isn’t too keen on you looking at the things they left out for the trash.

Stay Alert!

Always pay close attention to what you are looking through. Make sure their are no hazardous materials (mold, chemicals, etc) or dangerous objects (broken glass, sharp objects, etc.) If you see anything that might be harmful, why not check out a different pile of trash… I’m sure another wont be too hard to find!