Mention the word scavenging and most people will visualize a bird feeding on a decaying carcass…or a foul smelling unintelligent human immersed in a dumpster. Sure, while scavenging is a means of survival for wild animals and the less fortunate, there are other reasons people do it: money savings; philanthropy; true ecological building; and for the simple sake of saving some thing from going to waste.

This page isn’t an advocation for full time dirty dumpster rummaging. I'm merely suggesting that we consider…on occasion…putting the cell phone down, opening the mind, easing off the gas pedal and taking a look around at what is needlessly being wasted every day. If some thing of interest or value is then spotted, the benefits of salvaging it are numerous. And believe it or not, you and your friends may just end up enjoying yourselves. Once you get over the associated social stigma, it’s actually quite fun and habit forming. Just remind youself that the shame is in the practice of waste, not the act of salvaging.

Dumpster Diving
Below are a few tips to get you started. The primary idea is to be stealth enough not to be seen or confronted. If that happens often enough in the same place, the management may take measures to keep you out and you’ll lose that resource.

• Laws vary. Check legality in your area.
• If you ask a business, they’ll probably say “no” due to liability concerns.
• If dumpster is next to a private residence, ask the owners. They’ll probably say “yes”.
• Always wear leather gloves, solid shoes & drab clothing that won’t draw attention.
• Don’t dive if there are “No Trespassing” signs.
• Don’t dive in the dark. You’ll look suspicious.
• Choose a time of day with the least traffic. Early weekend mornings are usually good.
• Do a quick scan of the area. If there are people around, come back another time.

  Rummaging not nesescary. I have pulled numerous items from overflowing dumpsters by simply paying attention. Some of the better things I have found include antique windows & doors; new but slightly damaged tables & chairs; a heavy duty handtruck; & two full suspension moutain bikes one of which was brand new with only one missing petal.

• Be quiet & discreet yet fast. Look in & if there’s something appealing, waste no time. Get it and move along. Deftness is key!
• Unless going for big items, working solo is typically the quickest mode. It can be fun to have friends along though.
• Take appropriate vehicle. It takes time to tie things to a roof rack & draws attention.
• If asked what you are doing, politely say something to this effect: “I’m looking for box’s. Do you happen to have any or know where I could get some?”
• If asked to leave, be polite and oblige.

"Whoa...looks like it's my lucky day.........."	Take responsibility. If you get hurt, deal with it yourself.

Found behind a store in Idaho, these perfectly good Florida oranges & California avocados & tomatoes had their final ride to the landfill rerouted to a needy family’s dinner table. This food, along with peppers, asparagus, cherries & butter was in perfect condition but nearing its expiration date. From seed to market to a landfill on the other side of the continent...all while people struggle. Our society thinks nothing of this but shames those saving this food. Something to ponder.....

For additional information, visit Ran Prieur's Dumpster Diving FAQ and the forums at Dumpster World.

All of Earthen Exposures shipping materials are from dumpsters.

Scrounging
Scrounging differs from dumpster diving in the fact that the item in question has not been thrown away but rather is laying in heaps amongst weeds or in other obvious locations which indicate non-use. Learning to spot and acquire these items for free, without coming across as a mooch, is a mix of art and psychology. Once learned though, the scrounger will find many people are happy to give. The giver sees it as a way to clean their place and help someone at the same time. Others however, are tight-fisted packrats who'd rather watch something rot then part with it. Being able to identify these mulish folks can save you from some uncomfortable encounters. Squalid conditions should be your first clue.

What can be salvaged? Nearly everything from entire homes slated for demolition to downed trees for firewood. Also, many fruit trees in rural (I'm seeing this in metropolitan areas too) have been abandoned leaving the hardiest species thriving naturally and without chemicals. Hundreds of bushels of nourishing apricots and various other fruits go to waste every season in my part of the state. Sadly, our society in general has reached such a state of ignorance that it thinks nothing of the ramifications* involved when purchasing fruit imported from other states and countries. The vast majority of this fruit is grown with unsustainable agricultural practices too. Why support that if you don't have to?

*Food picked green (i.e. not yielding its full nutritional value), air pollution (trasport emissions), depletion of fossil fuels (fuel, tires, road maintenance & truck maintenance), etc, etc.

Where can it be found? Anywhere, but older establishments and agricultural areas are the biggest producers. More specifically:

• corners of fields and farm yards where materials have been piled for burning
• old farm junkyards
• abandoned homes
• alleys
• vacant lots
• lots to be developed
• farm implement suppliers. Think about it. A tractor axle can't be shipped in a cardboard box. It's delivered in a wooden (often hardwood) crate that is later discarded like Christmas wrapping paper. This wood can be used for things from shelving to firewood. Steel, which is used for the reinforcment of bigger crates, sees the same fate; the landfill.

Additionally:

• Be on the constant look-out & take alternate routes to & from work.
• Drive slower so you’re less apt to miss something. You'll also save gas & be safer.
• Avoid places with excessive junkyness, fences, “no tresspassing” signs or guard like dogs.
• Drive courteously with no loud music.
• Avoid looking like the stereotypical "scrounge" & dress nicely. Your odds of success will go up considerbly if you're wearing office type attire & are well groomed.
• When some thing of interest has been found, find the owner by knocking on doors.
  • take off sunglasses
  • make eye contact
  • be confident, not cocky
  • smile
  • hands in front

    Get the word out! Tell friends, family, neighbors & coworkers about your finds. Before you know it, they'll be finding stuff for you. And some will even start scavenging for themselves. Enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm!

• When owner is found, concisely explain that you were passing by and "happened to notice ____" & ask if there are plans for it. If it’s to be burned or hauled to the dump, ask if you can salvage it. And use the term "salvage" rather than "have".
• If the owner says “no”, do not press. Graciously accept and leave.
• If the owner says “yes”, be verbally appreciative and if possible, get the item then. If you can not pick up then, ask when you can and describe the vehicle you’ll be driving. Retrieve ASAP and be punctual.

Also, check out The Freecycle Network, a grassroots movement giving away nearly any thing imaginable. World wide, this diverse group has over 3,000 communities and 1.9 million members. Membership is free.