Looking at another man’s trash as your treasure…thinking about trying your hand at Dumpster Diving?

Here at bookadumpster.com we do not encourage dumpster diving, but we do like the fact that it keeps things out of the landfills… we have prepared some notes:

• Divers find that the best time to seek out treasure is late at night or early in the morning before the haulers have picked up. Mondays are good as stores often rid themselves of items after the weekends

• Knowledge of the law is beneficial; in some jurisdictions dumpster divers are breaking the law and can be charged with theft

• Divers seek out hot spots depending on the type of treasure they are interested in (Universities are good after graduation!). Online forums and local clubs are available to join to network with other divers

• Shop keepers and homeowners are not always impressed with dumpster divers so avoiding confrontation is key. Avoiding sharp objects and general safely is also fairly necessary! Dive with a buddy

• Divers worried about safety may park their car in front of the dumpster so the hauler is unable to dump it

• Divers should only take what they realistically want, and dispose of unusable items responsibly, especially electronic waste

• Thorough cleaning using a mild bleach and water is very highly recommended for any objects found by the divers

• Divers should always leave an area they have been using clean or cleaner than when they found it, cleaning up after themselves avoids dumpster diving getting a bad name

Check back soon for warnings and tips that may be relevant to Dumpster Divers safety….