The Art and Economy of Dumpster Diving

Let me preface by saying I have not and do not climb in dumpsters when it comes to looking for cast-off treasures.

The term "dumpster diving" is just another term for what I do, a pastime that started about four years ago that has become somewhat of a fun addiction.

There are worse things.

I've lived in many places but none lucrative like the area I live in now, a college town where rich kids and adults dump stuff on the curb like mildewed trash.

Only it's not trash at all. Far from it.

Oh sure, sometimes there is actual trash but for the most part there are another man's treasures.

For starters, if you're going to "dumpster dive" the area you live in is most important. There's a reason I didn't start this hobby till 2001. All the places I lived prior there just weren't any finds.

With recycling and new garbage rules it sometimes can be challenging to find the things I used to find with ease but I still find them.

College towns, cultural districts, some wealthy neighborhoods, co-ops, these are just some of the communities rich in throwaways.

I've found enough to furnish more than one home, to give to charity, friends, sell and make money from, and even start a collection of certain genres.

I've found computers, printers, pictures, frames, electronic equipment that works, backpacks, briefcases, clothes, shoes, toys, books, records, CDs, tapes, DVDs, cleaning supplies never opened, beauty products, brand new makeup, expensive perfume, cases of candles, lotions never out of the box, toiletries in svelte cases to be given as gifts by someone who decided not to, plush blankets, dog beds, pet dishes, towels, calendars for the next year, paint, tools, furniture, sheets, plants, baskets, decorations, games, and movies among other items.

It's best to start early in the morning except for garbage day when all the good stuff gets picked up. The day before garbage day and the day after major holidays like Christmas are good days, too.