Rules of the Dumpster DiveI love to dumpster dive and I mean peak inside the big green monster, poke around with a stick and grab what appeals to me. Of course if you prefer the curb crawling only, that is fine as well. Perhaps you are new to all of this and unsure where to start. Here are some rules that I live by:

1. Leave the place looking better than when you found it
2. NEVER take anything that can cause an identity to be stolen. If you found something, rip it up into tiny pieces.
3. Dress the part. Wear grubby clothes, solid shoes or boots, gloves and a flashlight are good and bring a poking stick.
4. Make sure you have appropriate transportation. It is hard to bring home the rocking chair on a bicycle.
5. If you are handy with fixing stuff, bring it home. If not, leave it there as it will probably just clutter your place up.
6. Check for water damage on furniture.
7. Have a place in mind for the item. Don’t bring stuff home thinking you might use it.
8. Stop by immediately if you see something of interest. Don’t wait, it will be gone. I have learned many a lesson on this.
9. Don’t dive in business areas during business hours. Even though it may be legal in your area, it makes the business look bad and they may call the cops just to scare you off.
10. If you happen to meet up with another diver, be kind. It isn’t anyone’s territory as you both may be looking for different things.
11. Dumpster diving is only limited by you. Some are ok with diving for food and others are not.

Additional reading:
Treasure Hunting (aka. Dumpster diving)
Dumpster Finds- For Keep and Sale
Garbage Dresser Refinishing
Can you be a Freegan?
Digging in the Dumpster

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Dawn C. is site owner of Frugalforlife.com where this is a repost from: 11 Rules of the Dumpster Dive. Dawn is residing in Colorado with her spouse, Teri, of 11 years.