Dumpster diving is a unique kind of treasure-seeking that opens your eyes to a world of possibilities that are not often found. Today I’ll shed light on the many facets of dumpster diving, from surprise food finds to hidden gems of raw materials, even though the habit may raise eyebrows. This list will show you where to find abandoned jewels, whether you’re looking for leftovers, home goods etc. Become a member of the dumpster diving community and learn how to convert waste into treasure.
Dumpster Diving for Food
You did indeed read correctly. Food. Many people quickly brush off the concept, but those simple containers hide a feast, I promise.
Pizza Places
Most pizza places throw out pizza at around 12 to 2 am. This is pizza that is perfectly intact and still inside the box. I would not recommend eating pizza that is thrown out and out of the box.
Donut Shops
Dounut shops like Kolache factory throw out donuts at around 2 to 4 pm. These donuts are usually put into one large bag by themselves.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is very common, Places usually throw out these, around the hour that they close, and this varies from place to place. Expect to find these still in boxes too.
Produce
Time for these varies and you also have to find places that don’t have compactors. However, you can break into some of these compactors
Candy and Junk foods
The top spots for dumpster diving candy are CVS and Walgreens. They throw away candy that’s worth hundreds of dollars in a day.
Clothing and Household Dumpster Diving
But let’s not limit ourselves to edibles. The world of dumpster diving is as diverse as it is surprising.
Laundromats
Laundromats or washaterias that are located in rich areas are good finds. People there are notorious for washing a load of clothing and then simply leaving them, never to be seen again. Since they’re accustomed to it, the laundry employees will simply gather the clothing and discard it.
Dumpster Diving College Towns
Anywhere that students are known to live, including college towns (Christmas & Summer vacation; these times of year are called “Crustmas” among the dumpster diving community). You can find anything else you’re looking for. The largest historical source of dumpster diving is college students. You can find stuff from, furniture, electronics and decorations.
Unusual Finds and Where to Find Them
The most crazy dumpster diving adventure you will ever have is in a hotel. Anything that someone would put in luggage, including clothing and drugs, is available. Some of the items you’ll uncover are frightening
Dumpster Diving into Raw Materials
For wood, targeting construction site dumpsters in upscale locations is key. You should ask for permission from the contractor, and the response can vary. Contractors might be receptive, providing access to valuable discarded wood materials.
For Metal, turn to machine shops as a prime resource. A simple phone call can often secure permission to go through scrap bins, with a respectable success rate reported. Politeness and courtesy go a long way in gaining access to these treasure troves of metal.
For those in need of tools, Harbor Freight is a goldmine. The store’s high return rate means that slightly used or even minimally damaged tools are frequently discarded. With many customers opting for returns after just a day’s use, these tools often end up in dumpsters. Though compactors are common, occasional opportunities arise to salvage tools that are still perfectly functional, offering a cost-effective solution for DIY enthusiasts and resourceful builders alike.
Dumpster Diving Tips
Before you embark on this unconventional treasure hunt, arm yourself with a few tips from a seasoned diver:
- Timing is Everything: Success in dumpster diving hinges on understanding the disposal schedule. Probe locations periodically to discern when quality items are discarded, be it daily, monthly, or seasonally.
- Check The Weight: Heavy bags often contain food. Develop a knack for assessing contents by feeling and weighing bags. Combine this with knowledge about the store, and schedule, and your predictions become more accurate.
- Right Gear: Arm yourself with the right equipment – a headlamp for visibility, closed-toe shoes for dumpster entry, and a large box or bag in your car for collected items.
- Clean Up: Maintain cleanliness at dive sites. A messy aftermath could prompt authorities to lock dumpsters, limiting future access. Clean up to keep the resource available for continued exploration.
Wrapping Up
Dumpster diving uncovers a world of surprises. Dive into pizzas, clothes, or even hotel finds, each dive is an adventure. Whether you’re a pro or just starting, remember the basics: timing, weight, gear, and cleanliness. Dumpster diving isn’t just about savings; it’s a way of life promoting resourcefulness and caring for the environment. Enjoy your dives!
