What do you think? Dumpster diving?

[flying_babyb]

http://www.dispatch.com/live/conten...py/trash_man.ART_ART_01-19-09_B1_21CJ3BA.html
Poor man

 

[C.Ann]

I think it makes a lot more sense than filling up the landfills with items that are still perfectly useable..

We have become a "throw away" society - which I find very sad.. Many people would not be having the economic problems they are now if they were a little less "materialistic".. I'll never forget one of my former neighbors putting 6 outdoor patio chairs and a patio table out for the trash man because they got "dirty" and she couldn't be bothered cleaning them.. She did the same thing with all of her children's Little Tyke toys that cost well over $100 a pop.. Yet when their sewer grinder broke and they had to replace it, she was crying "poor mouth".. Hmmm.. Wonder why they didn't have any money?

 

[NotUrsula]

I think it's fine to salvage large items, though as the article pointed out, upholstered things often do have bug infestations of one sort or another.

Actually diving IN dumpsters I don't like. We have a real problem in my community with groups of meth junkies who dumpster-dive for drugs. They go looking for things like credit card statements, bank statements, benefit receipts, etc., so that they can use the data to obtain money that they use to fuel their habits.

 

[cheermom1]

I think it's fine to salvage large items, though as the article pointed out, upholstered things often do have bug infestations of one sort or another.

Actually diving IN dumpsters I don't like. We have a real problem in my community with groups of meth junkies who dumpster-dive for drugs. They go looking for things like credit card statements, bank statements, benefit receipts, etc., so that they can use the data to obtain money that they use to fuel their habits.

now that i understand no way would I want someone trying to get my info to use like that.

but taking things that people throw away that are good but need a little cleaning or repair if fine. imo they were stupid to throw it out in the first place umm DONATE it !!!!!

 

[RNMOM]

I wonder if people put a sign on it like "free to a good home" if it would still be illegal?

 

[ajk912]

I always thought it was disgusting but I don't really care what other people do.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

I think its good what he is doing. I hope he keeps it up.

 

[flying_babyb]

We have a week called "FIX UP CLEAN UP" were you are encoraged to throw your stuff on the curb. I love this week. I get so much good stuff this way. Last year, I got a bunch of toys, a telescope (that worked), A raft, Two chair, A cat stand, a bench, golf clubs, and somthign else. I only quit because we ran out of room in the car. this year, im leaving the kids at home.

 

[DarthKTrava]

One time I went into the dumpster, I found some Hallmark plates and note cards. And some copy paper too.

I got a tv/vcr cart from the curb one time.

Recently I saw a nice looking sofa but didn't have a way to haul it.

 

[Rora]

A good friend of mine from High School would go dumpster diving every weekend (yes, really). He found some amazing things!!! It's shocking how wasteful some people are.

 

[kimluvswdw]

I used to know someone who used to dumpster dive at the local bars for cans. They did this to help pay the bills.

 

[DarthKTrava]

I used to know someone who used to dumpster dive at the local bars for cans. They did this to help pay the bills.

My aunt used to do that for the bottles. Until they dropped the price for glass....

Oh yeah, I did get a high chair from the curb. It has to be washed and a new seat pad gotten but it seems ok.

 

[Judy from Boise]

"This American Life" on NPR has a classic podcast on dumpster diving. It was a family that moved to Big Bear CA, went off the grid and lived on DD.

 

[CathrynRose]

My husband was driving down our street during 'Amnesty Day' - when you can throw out whatever you want.

He spotted some old 'tube amp' - Fender something, I dunno.... I'm not a 'tube nerd' like he is.

He stopped, and grabbed it.

When he came in the house, he was practically shaking. I thought something was wrong. He told me what he found, and I went:

Long story short - we listed it on eBay and it sold for almost $2000. I didnt put too many zeroes.... two THOUSAND dollars. Crazy...

Garbage picked tube amp = $2000.

I'd like him to find another.

I see nothing wrong with what this guy is doing, at all, what so ever.

 

[luvmy3]

Our town has a bulk garbage pick up once a year where you can get rid of pretty much anything. People in trucks drive around town each week and pick the stuff they want to take. I got rid of all my large baby toys and gear this way. Goodwill doesn't take it anymore and I'd hate for it to just sit in a landfill somewhere, especially since its isn't really junk.

 

[teacups]

My husband tells a funny story from when he was a kid.
His parents cleaned out their basement and they all went to the dump (considered family entertainment in the 70's) and got rid of all kinds of stuff.
The following Monday his mom goes into work and finds her old bowling trophy that she had just taken to the dump on her desk.A co-worker went to the dump that weekend, too.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

After reading your posts I think we are blessed. Our town picks up bulk items once a month. I dont know where I would store all the big stuff for a year, like a sofa etc. We also have recycling of appliances and if you call they will get it in up to a week or sooner. For the appliances you have to schedule a pick up, the other stuff you leave at the curb the last week of the month.

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

I have a friend who recently found a PLaystation (not a new one) and a ton of games in the dumpster behind his building when he went to put out his trash. He's hardcore into old video games. He was excited.

 

[luvmy3]

After reading your posts I think we are blessed. Our town picks up bulk items once a month. I dont know where I would store all the big stuff for a year, like a sofa etc. We also have recycling of appliances and if you call they will get it in up to a week or sooner. For the appliances you have to schedule a pick up, the other stuff you leave at the curb the last week of the month.

We actually plan our purchases around bulk pick up. Its the sam etime every year so if we need to replace furniture, old doors, appliances, toilets, etc we just wait to do it then.

 

[NC State]

My father-in-law has made dumpster diving an art (he's a stay at home retiree with time on his hands). He enjoys going and pick up items people have set out or thrown out. He will not go through bags that are tied only lose items. He will clean the items up, paint them and fix what ever it is and he will have a yard sale twice a year. If he can't sale it he then gives it to a church that has a flea market on Fridays and Saturdays.