Author Topic: Dumpster Diving  (Read 6218 times)

Yankuba

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Dumpster Diving
« on: February 14, 2015, 01:28:14 PM »
Wired ran this article about a dude who earns thousands of dollars by liberating items from big box store dumpsters:

http://www.wired.com/2015/02/high-end-dumpster-diving-matt-malone/

Unique User

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2015, 04:57:19 PM »
Every so often I think about this topic and drive behind stores, but all I ever see are those big compactor type trash bins.  I'll have to try again. 

Yankuba

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2015, 06:23:01 PM »
The commenters to the article were skeptical of the target's success. A lot of retail folks say everything is thoroughly destroyed before its put in the dumpsters.

bzzzt

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2015, 06:47:54 PM »
It's been over a decade since I worked retail, but destroying the items we were throwing out was my favorite part of the day.

TheAnonOne

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #4 on: February 14, 2015, 09:11:27 PM »
On the "Frugal" vs. "Cheap" line this HEAVILY falls on the "Cheap" spectrum...

kathrynd

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2015, 09:15:42 PM »
On the "Frugal" vs. "Cheap" line this HEAVILY falls on the "Cheap" spectrum...


You hear that comment about  a lot of people, when they refer to people who reduce, reuse and recycle.

I'm personally not against dumpster diving, but haven't done it.
....Since my husband and I only spend an average of $50 a week out of pocket  for groceries, toiletries, etc.

« Last Edit: February 14, 2015, 10:33:47 PM by kathrynd »

pancakes

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #6 on: February 14, 2015, 09:32:00 PM »
I always checkout the bins in the commercial complex behind my work when I go out there. I've picked up a few bits of furniture and other bits and pieces. It can be easy to collect a lot of rubbish though so I only take what I'm pretty sure I'll use.

When we throw decent stuff out at work we usually leave it up against the wall at the back of our building for a week or so before throwing it in the bin to give people a chance to grab it. I'd say 90% of what we put out gets taken before we have to put it into a bin.

Dabblingman

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #7 on: February 14, 2015, 10:25:52 PM »
I read that article too, it was pretty amazing stuff he would find!

For those poo-pooing dumpster diving, check out the article. This guy is finding laptops, printers, routers, power tools, etc. perfect stuff just being wasted.

Don't think I have the stomach for that hobby, but interesting read.

act0fgod

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2015, 07:06:59 AM »
Go to a college campus at the end of the semester and you'll see all sorts of one year old stuff being thrown away.

Tabaxus

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #9 on: February 15, 2015, 09:01:03 AM »
The commenters to the article were skeptical of the target's success. A lot of retail folks say everything is thoroughly destroyed before its put in the dumpsters.

That is freaking terrible.  It should at least be given to a charity that doesn't do resales.

wanttolivethedream

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #10 on: February 17, 2015, 07:14:37 PM »
Go to a college campus at the end of the semester and you'll see all sorts of one year old stuff being thrown away.

This is a fact. I have worked on a big campus for nine yrs now. The seniors especially, they leave almost everything behind from couches, kitchen sets to laptops. Have even seen expensive bicycles left behind

kathrynd

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #11 on: February 17, 2015, 07:40:28 PM »
Go to a college campus at the end of the semester and you'll see all sorts of one year old stuff being thrown away.

This is a fact. I have worked on a big campus for nine yrs now. The seniors especially, they leave almost everything behind from couches, kitchen sets to laptops. Have even seen expensive bicycles left behind

Could be a great side business for people...offer to pick up everything .. contact the LL or the tenants directly.
The LL has to pay for dumping...it save them money.

mendoman

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #12 on: February 17, 2015, 11:49:48 PM »
I live on a military base and you would not believe the good things that get thrown into the dumpsters when people move.  I have found two mountain bikes for my kids.  A working lawn mower and weed eater.  Too many other things to mention.  I just ride my bike around and look into the dumpsters.  Its amazing that people rather throw it out than find a home for it.

MsRichLife

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #13 on: February 18, 2015, 12:21:20 AM »
We find awesome things in dumpsters around our neighborhood. Everyone is obviously too affluent for their own good.

DH has liberated all types of metal offcuts for his metal machining side gig and our new neighbours have been a source of all sorts of goodies. As an example, they threw away a perfectly good hiking backpack which DH cleaned and sold on Gumtree for $115!

kathrynd

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #14 on: February 18, 2015, 02:09:39 AM »
We found a cat, that someone put in our apt building dumpster.

'Jack' now lives with my son.

Prepube

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Re: Dumpster Diving
« Reply #15 on: February 18, 2015, 11:39:39 PM »
A must read for the dumpster diving connoisseur:  http://www.raccoonsongs.com/Raccoon%20-%20Miscellany/Dumpster%20Diving%20book/Art%20&%20Science%20of%20Dumpster%20Diving.pdf

There's also an advanced course available at Amazon by the same author.