by Phil Mar

Created on: February 10, 2007   Last Updated: March 17, 2007

I have gone dumpster diving, and I found out a few basic rules about it. First, don't expect your relatives to approve, especially your parents. This is the normal response, they worry about your health and sanity if you start telling stories about what great thing you found in the dumpster yesterday. But breaking bones and smelling like garbage are not common if you approach the situation correctly.

Before jumping in, you will need to prepare. First, it is good to bring a magnet, if you are harvesting metal for scrap. Aluminum and steel, although almost identical in appearance, differ in value. As a general rule, if the magnet is not attracted to the metal, it is of more value. Another good thing to bring is a backpack. You never know when you will find a gold mine. One time, I found presents that were not even unwrapped.

Now you are ready to hunt. Or perhaps you already found a dumpster. The best are generally found near buildings that are being improved, but you can find great things in almost any dumpster. Try to get permission from the person using the dumpster. At first they may be hesitant, but if you metion the facts that it is better for the environment and may lighten there cost of rubbish removal, you can generally get permission.

The safest thing to do first is surveillance. Look around in the dumpster to make sure it's diver friendly. You don't want to jump into anything that could collapse. then take a good whiff. there is no point in going into a dumpster full of rotten food. while you are looking, check out what the dumpster contains. There are no bottles or scrap metal pieces in a dumpster for cardboard only (but this kind of dumpster is great for getting the cheapest kind poster board.)

While you are in there, step lightly. injuries and dumpsters do not mix. Also, do not take anything that is by the dumpster, it could possibly be that the nice bike right next to the dumpster is not being thrown out.

Other than those basic guidlines, the best tricks and techniques are the ones you learn yourself. But remember: stay safe.

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