Want to know all about what it is like to be a dumpster diver? Here is your chance! I interviewed Families.com family member siageah to get the scoop. This is part one of a three-part series.
What is dumpster diving?
Dumpster diving is going through trash looking for treasures. This can mean going into actual dumpsters behind stores, office buildings, or apartment complexes. Or it can mean “curb crawling” and looking for things put out by residences on the curbs.
Treasure can be different things to different people. You can dive looking for items to use yourself, items to donate, or items to resell. Some people look specicially for electronics. Some look primarily for food. Others look for anything they can sell for scrap or online or in flea markets.
Do you need special equipment to dumpster dive?
Not to start. Just some common sense. As you progress you’ll find you may want to acquire a grabber of sorts. Either a store bought grabber (buy something?? eeek!) or a stick with a hook on it for reaching into dumpsters. Sturdy shoes and gloves are also handy. Long pants as well. You’ll want a head lamp or flashlight if you are diving at night.
There are people who bicycle from dumpster to dumpster, there are those who walk, and those who have trucks. So transportation can be whatever you want it to be.
What should dumpster divers do if they get caught in a dumpster by someone?
Be very respectful and leave. Local laws vary from town to town regarding trash. But regardless, if law enforcement asks you to leave, then leave. If store personnel asks you to leave, then leave. There isn’t anything in trash that is worth a confrontation.
Most divers will go during store off hours to avoid store employees. I always preferred early Sunday mornings as I preferred daylight. Some go at night. Apartment complex dumpsters can be visited almost anytime.
Do you have a question for siageah? Leave a comment!
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Interview with A Dumpster Diver (2)
Interview with A Dumpster Diver (3)