The Art and Economy of Dumpster Diving by Terri Rimmer - originally published on Associated Content, 2007

Let me preface by saying I have not and do not climb in dumpsters when it comes to looking for cast-off treasures.

The term "dumpster diving" is just another term for what I do, a pastime that started about four years ago that has become somewhat of a fun addiction.

There are worse things.

I've lived in many places but none lucrative like the area I live in now, a college town where rich kids and adults dump stuff on the curb like mildewed trash.

Only it's not trash at all. Far from it.

Oh sure, sometimes there is actual trash but for the most part there are another man's treasures.

For starters, if you're going to "dumpster dive" the area you live in is most important. There's a reason I didn't start this hobby till 2001. All the places I lived prior there just weren't any finds.

With recycling and new garbage rules it sometimes can be challenging to find the things I used to find with ease but I still find them.

College towns, cultural districts, some wealthy neighborhoods, co-ops, these are just some of the communities rich in throwaways.

I've found enough to furnish more than one home, to give to charity, friends, sell and make money from, and even start a collection of certain genres.

I've found computers, printers, pictures, frames, electronic equipment that works, backpacks, briefcases, clothes, shoes, toys, books, records, CDs, tapes, DVDs, cleaning supplies never opened, beauty products, brand new makeup, expensive perfume, cases of candles, lotions never out of the box, toiletries in svelte cases to be given as gifts by someone who decided not to, plush blankets, dog beds, pet dishes, towels, calendars for the next year, paint, tools, furniture, sheets, plants, baskets, decorations, games, and movies among other items.

It's best to start early in the morning except for garbage day when all the good stuff gets picked up. The day before garbage day and the day after major holidays like Christmas are good days, too.

Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood and go up every side street in the suburban areas. Drive slowly and be aware. If you live in an apartment complex, take a swing by the dumpster around the first of the month when folks typically move out and toss out extra items or things they simply decide to leave behind.

Word of warning. Do examine things carefully before you touch them. And wear gloves just in case.

Establish a regular route that you'll become familiar with enough to know which streets to pay attention to and which to ignore. However, once in a blue moon a road will surprise you with a hidden treasure.

Use common sense. No use hunting after a rain or during heavy traffic time like before or after a college game.

Some retail shops throw things out during inventory such as crates, shelves, and packing materials.

You can sell books, CDS, records, games, videos for money as well as electronic items and computer products at used computer stores and on Ebay. You can donate pet items found that you don't need to animal shelters, clothes or shoes you can't use to women's shelters or churches.

You can even collect enough things to have a yard sale or two.

If you go to or by a yard sale, return just before it's over, when it is over, or the next day. Many times unsold items are taken to the curb.

I wound up with a whole car load and trunk load more than once with this technique.

And always when going through items ask yourself, "Can this be used by me, someone else, donated, put with something else, or sold?"

Good luck on your next dive!