Week Nineteen: How to Dumpster Dive

Become a professional dumpster diver just by following these steps!

1. Mentally prepare yourself

At first, a new scavenger will be "filled with disgust and self-loathing". Everything will seem to stink and you will not be able to erase the "stigma of eating garbage out of [your mind] but don't worry, "that stages passes with experience."

2. Know what items to look for

If you want food, college dumpsters are your best friend! Students that rely on their "daddy's money" throw away many goods and you will be able to find what you need. As for small electronics or pens/pencils, it would be a good idea to search at an office supply store dumpster.

3. Research local laws

Make sure it is legal to dumpster dive in your area - you don't want to be charged of trespassing or invasion of privacy, do you? Stay away from dangerous locations and make sure your dumpster is not in plain sight. 

4. Choose when to go dumpster diving

It would be beneficial to know when the dumpster you are going to will be emptied so you can go through many items before the trash will be picked up. (Side note: "Diving at night is ineffective and needlessly messy")

5. Go have fun diving and looking for goods!
The best way to go through a dumpster is to "lower yourself into it." However, if you are new to dumpster diving and do not feel comfortable entering a dumpster, use a stout stick with a hook at the end to pick up garbage bags! Remember, "most of the good stuff tends to settle at the bottom because it is usually weightier than the rubbish." And don't be greedy! Take only what you need, as you can come back to scavenge at a later time.