The saying goes that one man has trash and the other has treasure.If you want to make sure perfectly good items aren't going to waste, dumpster diving is a great way to do it.Dumpster diving doesn't require any special skill or equipment, but it will benefit you to be aware of some of the risks and learn the best way to go about it to avoid illness or legal trouble.If you know the ins and outs of dumpster diving, you can find more fruitful searches.
Step 1: Know your local laws.
It is worth knowing the legal risks you face for taking waste items from public containers.Trash is not considered private property in most places, so it is unlikely that you will be charged with theft.It is possible for dumpster divers to be targeted for other offenses.In polite society, dumpster diving is frowned upon.You should consider yourself warned if there are locks on the premises.It's a good idea to stay away from places that are under scrutiny.
Step 2: Take a look at the dumpsters in your area.
You can typically find trash cans in major businesses, but you can also find them in urban neighborhoods, schools, churches and public locations like parks and beaches.To avoid detection, look for dumpsters that are not in plain sight.If you know the trash pickup times in your city, you can go through a promising receptacle before it is emptied.When most people are occupied, plan your runs for the early morning or evening hours.
Step 3: You should know what to look for.
A lot of treasures are waiting to be claimed at public trash disposal sites.Valuable scrap materials and expensive out-of-date electronics can be found in the refuse of high-end establishments.It will help you focus your search if you have a basic idea of what's out there and where you're likely to find it.The best place to look for a specific type of find is at the source.It is possible to find unused beauty products behind a cosmetics boutique or small electronics at an office supply store.Old furniture and appliances can be found near dumpsters in residential areas.
Step 4: Prepare yourself mentally.
It can be difficult to climb into a hot, smelly dumpster since most people don't like garbage.It can be helpful to take a few moments to collect yourself.Keep in mind that you are playing a part in helping eliminate unnecessary waste by remembering why you're doing it.The work of dumpster diving can be messy.It may not be the best activity for those with weak stomachs.
Step 5: It is appropriate to dress appropriately.
If you wear older garments you don't mind ruining them, it's a good chance they will get dirty or torn.Should you have to do climbing or other maneuvers, comfortable clothing will allow you to move around freely.Pull on a pair of thick-soled, closed-toed shoes or boots to protect your feet from sharp exposed edges.To minimize your exposure to unsanitary messes, wear pants and tops with long sleeves.If you are going to enter the dumpster, wear sturdy fabrics like denim, nylon or leather and keep as much of your body covered as possible.Before you get inside, remove any accessories you don't want to lose.
Step 6: You should equip other useful gear.
To help you get up into the dumpster, you can bring along a pair of thick gloves, a small stepping stool, or a milk crate.Night dives should be accompanied by a flashlight or a light source.Bring a large container to hold your discoveries.A laundry bag made of canvas can be used to transport items.Use a pole to poke around in the trash.There is no need to get inside the receptacle if you are careful.If the dumpster is deep or in the shade, there may be need for a flashlight during the day.
Step 7: Take what you can use.
It's best to limit your haul to the things you have a specific need for, as you may be tempted to bring back everything.useless items will accumulate and eventually end up in the trash.You should organize your finds into piles of things you can use, things other people might be able to use and things to sell.Cut your losses and move on if you don't find anything worth keeping.
Step 8: Stay alert.
dumpster diving is looked upon with a lot of attention.If you don't pay attention, you could end up being surprised by random onlookers, business owners or even the police.If someone approaches, have a friend or fellow dumpster diver stand by to alert you.You should spend as little time in the area as possible.Get in, get the goods and leave.At a moment's notice, be ready to abandon your hunt.
Step 9: Don't leave anything behind.
If you have removed anything from the dumpster, you need to return it before you leave.You can throw away other trash if you look around.If you can, leave the area as clean as you found it.You are more likely to be caught red-handed on future visits if you give away your presence.The goal is to save money.Don't give dumpster diving a bad name.
Step 10: Go to the location of the food.
It will be helpful to know where to get salvaged food items if you want to replenish your pantry.You can find a lot of things behind restaurants and supermarkets.Cafes and bakeries are required to dispose of freshly-prepared food at the end of the day.Most of the time, these items won't have been left sitting for a long time.A good rule of thumb is to start your search at a place that sells the type of food you're looking for.When you're not likely to be noticed, dumpster diving at popular stores and restaurants is a good idea.
Step 11: First, preserved food items.
Fresh foods are more likely to last longer than things packaged in boxes, jars and wrappers.When on the hunt for a meal, these types of goods should be your first choice.Look for items that are still in their packaging.It's a good idea to avoid anything that hasn't been sealed.After their listed expiration date, canned and dried goods are usually good for several months.
Step 12: Out-of-date foods should be used immediately.
A bag of soft avocados or a case of mayonnaise can still be eaten, but you should try to find something else to do with them.If they're nearing their prime, incorporating them into other foods is the best way to stretch them out.A loaf of bread or a fruit smoothie can be made with a bunch of brown bananas.Cook as much as you can.This will kill off the harmfulbacteria that can cause harm when food spoils.Most produce can be canned, preserved or turned into jams or jellies.
Step 13: Stay away from items that are questionable.
If you see food that's rotten or has a foul odor, don't eat it.Most of the meats, dairy products, fruits and vegetables that end up in the garbage fit into this category.Perishables are the first to go bad.Setting your sights on foods that perform well in a wide range of storage conditions is not a good idea.If you decide to take it with you, double-check it for signs of mold or tampering first, and be aware of the risk you're taking to your health.Don't eat frozen or refrigerated items after they've been frozen.This could make you sick.
Step 14: Carefully Rummage through trash cans.
You don't know what's at the bottom of a dumpster or recycling bin.Hazardous materials, broken glass, rotting food, and other types of waste pose a threat to your health.If it is hard to see what is around you, proceed slowly and cautiously.If you have a friend hold the dumpster for you, you can work unimpeded.
Step 15: You should watch out for pests.
Garbage cans are often home to animals.These animals may be motivated to attack when startled.The inside of the dumpster should be given a quick once-over before climbing inside.It's a good idea to bang the outside of the dumpster.If the dumpster is inhabited by animals, the safest option is to move on to the next location.Humans can be killed by diseases carried by scavenger rodents.At all costs, keep your distance.
Step 16: You should wash yourself immediately.
It's a good idea to get in the shower as soon as you get home to make sure you don't have any germs.Don't forget to wash with soap and hot water.It's important to pay attention to areas that get missed, like your ears and fingernails.Exposure to garbage can cause a host of health concerns.A solid personal hygiene regimen is more important for dumpster divers than it is for normal people.
Step 17: Clean the items thoroughly.
To killbacteria and remove mold, soak non-electronic finds in warm water and use a strong Disinfectant.It is possible to rinse salvaged foods like produce and packaged snacks with clean water, then store them properly or cook them immediately.Most discoveries will be restored after a good cleaning.Spot clean electronics with a cloth and rubbing alcohol.It is extremely unsafe to eat food that is spoiled or contaminated.