Dumpster Diving = Free Stuff! What are your thoughts?
By Michelle
@infatuatedbby (94909)
United States
December 31, 2016 11:43pm CST
Last night, I was watching YouTube & somehow I landed across videos about dumpster diving and getting free stuff. For the particular channel I watched - they were primarily dumpster diving at make up stores. The products found could be brand new - never used, slightly used, used, or damaged but easily fixable.
It looks to be a pretty messy hobby (or career as some call it on there), as the people are physically diving into the enormous trash bins with mask + gloves, opening the bags of trash in hopes of finding treasure. And of course, they will make profit if they are able to sell them.
I'm not sure how I would feel buying a new item, not knowing it was from the trashcan though. 
What are your thoughts? Have you ever been dumpster diving? Besides my own trash because I accidentally tossed an important letter out or my retainers, I've never dumpster dive & do not plan on.
However - I think it is nice some people want to save the environment by re-purposing what they can find for themselves (not to sale) BUT I sure wouldn't want to buy something thats been in the messy trash, containment and just cleaned out so they can make a profit.
What are your thoughts? Have you ever been dumpster diving? Besides my own trash because I accidentally tossed an important letter out or my retainers, I've never dumpster dive & do not plan on.
However - I think it is nice some people want to save the environment by re-purposing what they can find for themselves (not to sale) BUT I sure wouldn't want to buy something thats been in the messy trash, containment and just cleaned out so they can make a profit.24 people like this
30 responses
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
1 Jan 17
We have moved frequently in our time together, so buying packing boxes isn't cost effective. One of our moves we found a few really good dumpsters behind a bookstore. You don't actually 'get in' the dumpster, there is a door you open and just pull things out. It was marked cardboard and that was all that was in there. We made out like bandits and frequented those few dumpsters until we had enough boxes to fill our needs. Most of our moves we used between 400 - 500 boxes.
5 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
Yes that's understandable , these people are physically jumping into the dumpster 
Not like how a normal person would just tip toe and see if they have what they need (like boxes).
There are some I know that gets wood pallets for bone fires but it's usually set on the side of the dumpster.
Not like how a normal person would just tip toe and see if they have what they need (like boxes).
There are some I know that gets wood pallets for bone fires but it's usually set on the side of the dumpster.1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@AbbyGreenhill Same here, but not very common for me to look in my own trash. Happens to my parents sometimes too, as they dropped their retainers too lol or wrap it up and thought it was trash.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby I don't even like seeing my own garbage
2 people like this
@moffittjc (128835)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Jan 17
To discourage dumpster diving, my neighborhood has an area set aside where people can set their items that they don't want anymore, but may still hold value or prove useful to other residents. One can often find some pretty good stuff in the "freecycle" area!
2 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
That is very nice of your neighborhood to set aside stuff if people don't want that. :) I bet there are some nice items some toss out! One persons trash can be a treasure!
2 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@moffittjc Whoa!! That's a steal deal =) Sucks for that owner!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128835)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby One of the 60-inch TV's I have in my house is from that area. It was broken so the previous owners tossed it. I took it to a repair shop, and it needed a simple $50 part to fix. So, for $50, I got a perfectly good big screen TV!
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
1 Jan 17
i do it all the time.some people should be ashamed of themselves what they waste.
i've fixed whole rooms in my house,and helped friends in need with some items.
yea,i get dirty looks occasionally,but people can think what they want.
2 people like this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby urgh.that would be gross.
no,only unopened,clean stuff.i've found clothes with the tags still on it..i rewash them and put them in the charity box.in one case,it was right down the street from a church one.they couldn't go 4 ft to do the right thing..
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
That's great you're able to find awesome things! Some people do toss out perfectly fine stuff, if only they'd donate it for someone else to enjoy just because they don't like it!
I don't think it's wrong since you're saving the environment and repurposing things! These people are doing it purely for the money! I wouldn't want them to sell used make up that they cleaned up when it's been containmented in the trash. I don't use make up though so it wouldn't matter to be.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@scarlet_woman You are amazing and kind 
If only people had common sense that people might want these items they're tossing out, or if they don't want to give it to people - then donate it to those who could use it! Why add it to the trash? 
If only people had common sense that people might want these items they're tossing out, or if they don't want to give it to people - then donate it to those who could use it! Why add it to the trash? 1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
6 Jan 17
Once a few years ago the town decided that everyone could put stuff to the curb and they'd come around and collect it... so in front of almost everyone's home was a heap of trash. Not really nasty garbage bags, but just broken things they didn't want anymore. Toys, furniture, etc.. that you can't normally put out on trash days.
I don't really own much of anything worthwhile as it is, so I was shocked when I woke up the next morning and found my trash had been picked through and quite a bit of it was gone. Some broken vacuum cleaners, broken toys... a bunch of stuff that literally was garbage!!
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
6 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby That's sad. My friend once had a snow shovel stolen right off her porch!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
6 Jan 17
I suppose your trash is someone else's treasure! But the people who take it can maybe fix it or hopes that it'll work !
My parents' left out donation goods for the am vet to come by and get it.. Turns out someone else stole it :(
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
6 Jan 17
@katsmeow1213 people are thieves !! Or did they think since it was outside it was for the trash?
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@DianneN it was amusing to see people dive in the dumpster
I do see some people look at the top but never Inside until these YouTube videos
1 person likes this
@DianneN (254926)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby I didn't think so. Lol!
1 person likes this
@amandajay (23262)
• New Zealand
1 Jan 17
Oops... I have never done it.. But as you said, when Im unable to find something, and if I felt like I have put it in the trash can by mistake I just dive in my own trash...lol
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
Haha yes our trash isn't so bad since we know whats in it.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@amandajay that is very good - we do too :)
1 person likes this
@amandajay (23262)
• New Zealand
1 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby also we separate food items, polythene and paper too.. So its easy to find anything...hehe
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
1 Jan 17
Yikes no thanks as you never know what could be in the dumpster. Now I have dumped things in my own trash and had to fetch it out. In my own dumpster, I know what has been tossed in already.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
I never knew how popular it was too! I sure wouldn't want to either not ever come across anything from the trash can to buy!
And in our own trash - yes has happened a few times! 
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@HAPPSINGH Not if its our own trash! I have thrown away my retainers accidentally, but I knew exactly what bag (it was just paper). I was not going to remake retainers since they're expensive. :)
@shaggin (74987)
• United States
2 Jan 17
I don't think they should do it and resell it. I think if they do it they should keep it or donate it. It is illegal to get in someone elses dumpster. At the end of the year our school would throw out the supplies and my sister and I would climb in the dumpster and take things. We got so many brand new craft items it was a shame what teachers threw out instead of donating. We got the cops called on us a few times and I think since we weren't even in our teens and live in a small town they were nice they just told us to make sure to pick up anything we weren't taking as to not make a mess.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (74987)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby I am 33 so this was a long time ago I used to dumpster dive at the school. Hopefully they no longer throw out perfectly useable things anymore.
I have a friend whose father goes into the dumpster at a local dollar general and takes what they throw out which is brand new things at times too.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@shaggin Ohhh I see.
But yes, I agree - I hope they don't toss anything out that are perfectly useable. If its empty, sure!
If its for someone to do so thats perfectly fine =) But not for me. Or do it for themselves, but don't re-sale if its something icky & you know its icky but cleaned it up for someone else to use like make up.
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
2 Jan 17
I would never guessed teachers tossing out brand new craft items - that's so wrong! I see the teachers complaining of not having enough supplies, equipment for the kids and ask for donations but they're throwing it out at the end of the year!
Mind as well let the kids bring some home for the summer vacation or donate it to charity, or someone who would use them!!
It doesn't bug me for people to do this but I don't think they should resell them even though they've cleaned them. They should add a disclaimer where the items came... but some aren't very honest in that point.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (59721)
• Philippines
3 Jan 17
Haven't done this and I seriously doubt that I will do it.
Respect goes out to those who do it and make a profit from it though!
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (59721)
• Philippines
4 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby true. Although, how would one know if the item is from a dumpster or not? Unless, the seller is honest, no one can know for sure if the item was upcycled.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
3 Jan 17
Yeah but I wouldn't want to buy from it... though!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
4 Jan 17
@allen0187 Yeah thats the thing we would't know!
1 person likes this
@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
3 Jan 17
Back in my younger days, I actually did do this. Well not exactly dive in a dumpster (I wasn't that gross) but I'd scour alleys and such to find stuff that people left to throw out - like outdoor tables or chairs. I'd only take stuff I can thoroughly clean and I'd use it for my purposes - not to sell.
1 person likes this
@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
4 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby Boxed candy from a dumpster 
. I remember seeing an article where people have found needles and blood contaminated stuff in dumpsters . . . it would NOT be good to be pricked by one of those while digging around. Who knows what people throw out - I wouldn't want to risk my life for that kind of profit.
. I remember seeing an article where people have found needles and blood contaminated stuff in dumpsters . . . it would NOT be good to be pricked by one of those while digging around. Who knows what people throw out - I wouldn't want to risk my life for that kind of profit.1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
3 Jan 17
I think that's completely fine as you get to repurpose for yourself :) But physically digging then selling for profit.. I don't know. I'd like to be warned especially I see them digging out some boxed candy! Like the movie boxed candy that is sealed but not completely since it's sealed by just the box not freshly sealed -__-
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
4 Jan 17
@much2say Yes, I would not want to either. Another person found vegetables and went home and washed them, but the scent from the dumpster even being washed - I don't know. It makes me feel sick. If I was homeless, yes - I'd resort to that, but.. I don't know if its smart.
Some even found inappropriate toys/stuff in the dumpsters being tossed out too. I watched a few random videos but stopped since I have no interest, lol.
Another person found vegetables and went home and washed them, but the scent from the dumpster even being washed - I don't know. It makes me feel sick. If I was homeless, yes - I'd resort to that, but.. I don't know if its smart.
Some even found inappropriate toys/stuff in the dumpsters being tossed out too. I watched a few random videos but stopped since I have no interest, lol.1 person likes this
@Tina30219 (82978)
• Onaway, Michigan
2 Jan 17
Me and my ex-husband use to hen we went camping and pick out all the bottles and cans and return them we came out with over 100.00 from doing this.
1 person likes this
@Tina30219 (82978)
• Onaway, Michigan
2 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby I agree.I like finding pop cans and bottles on the side of the road we stop and pick them up.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@Tina30219 Its like finding pennies then but 5 cents for CRV. We recycle our cans and plastic bags for money.
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
2 Jan 17
That's not bad because it's for you =) & you're not selling it to people who may use these products! 
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
1 Jan 17
How many things do you think we've ever consumed or used that was once in a "trashy" situation?
We don't really think about it do we? How well was that fork really cleaned? Or where was that nice dresser found? The one someone cleaned up and re-sold?
I was living with friends and once saw a chair that was on the side of someone's place. It said "free" and so we took it. I told my friends it looked really familiar and they couldn't place it. We invited another friend over and she busted out laughing.
it had been her chair at one time, one they took to the dumpster in our development and apparently had been re-homed for awhile before making its way back to us.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
Oh yes! With those bigger items like home furniture, I have seen them cleaned up nicely re-painted & resold is absolutely fine. Especially if its says free - one isn't really jumping into the dumpster to get it because the person who wants the trash gone, wants it to go to someone.
But when it comes to hygienic products like make up meant for the trash for whatever reason and people are digging into bags finding it where the trash is mixed together with food, coffee, drinks, hair from the salon's trash, etc - I think its a no/no.
And, then they clean up the make up and sell it.
What a small world the chair made it back home to you guys hehe!
Especially if its says free - one isn't really jumping into the dumpster to get it because the person who wants the trash gone, wants it to go to someone.
But when it comes to hygienic products like make up meant for the trash for whatever reason and people are digging into bags finding it where the trash is mixed together with food, coffee, drinks, hair from the salon's trash, etc - I think its a no/no.
And, then they clean up the make up and sell it.
What a small world the chair made it back home to you guys hehe!@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@ScribbledAdNauseum
I'm not entirely too sure per the videos they say the stores purposely sometimes break the products to toss them out because they're not allowed to give items free
For instances discontinued items, expired items or testers should be tossed out. Or like headbands that can't sell or not in style, season ended will need to be cut up or something! But some places don't - all varies.
I'm not too sure just watched some videos and that's what they say.
But assuming eye shadows blushes if thrown into the dumpster they'll break here & there then it gets messy. Then say someone's drinking coffee and toss it in the same bag it'll get messy and so forth!
Then the digging and opening of bags in the dumpster would be a messy hobby!
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby The chair that I had rescued had been in the dumpste rat one time. Or atleast, beside it.
Arent' most makeup cases closed?
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@Madshadi I doubt they'd put the disclaimer too.
Post offices here, I don't think they have good stuff. I think at the final postal office where lost packages go then it gets tossed would be better. I doubt they'd put it in public reach though!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
It's nice they can save the environment and add less waste towards worlds trash, but I highly doubt they add a disclaimer: this product was not used by me, found in the trash but cleaned and ready to apply on your face (make up) for sale!
Even if it's brand new sealed in the box but touched trash it's perfectly fine, after being wiped down a little but still, I wouldn't think it's very fair!
I do buy from reputable brands as well.
@Madshadi (8840)
• Brussels, Belgium
1 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby yeah theye probably won't put a disclaimer.
I just got an idea of a best place for them to dive and search the trash. Post offices. They discard a lot of valuable items. But not sure if their trash containers are kept inside, away from public reach.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43586)
• Denver, Colorado
1 Jan 17
I've known people that do it, but it's not for me.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
Me too, not for me but people can if they'd want.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@teamfreak16 Lol! You are better off finding $$ though =)
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43586)
• Denver, Colorado
1 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby - I don't know, we had a pretty good platoon party that day!
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
3 Jan 17
Yrs ago I used to have friends who would Dumpster dive and find items and resell them and did really well with them. I just could not see myself climbing in them to grab stuff. Don't have the will power to consider that.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
3 Jan 17
My granddaughter and daughter love to dumpster dive. I was shocked when they first started doing it. Then I got used to it. They have found some cool stuff. But, after we had the bedbugs two summers ago I told her not to do the dumpsters anymore. She didn't for a while but has started again. That is the only thing I worry about. Those bugs.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
3 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby ......One occasion was enough.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
3 Jan 17
Oh yes ... I'd be worried about bedbugs too. Especially since it has happened to you on a few occasions.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
4 Jan 17
@celticeagle Yeah I hope she does not start again..
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
2 Jan 17
I wouldn't buy them either =) And I doubt they'd tell you they found it in the dumpster. I mean for furniture yeah thats okay, because they're most likely beside the dumpster but physically DIVE INTO find treasure by opening trash bags, etc no no not for me!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@DWDavis id hope so!& not on the market
1 person likes this
@DWDavis (25797)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby I imagine most of the stuff they find like that winds up in flea markets or the like.
@supercalifredge (606)
• United States
1 Jan 17
I wouldn't mind using something from the trash (if it was cheaper), but I wouldn't want to have to dig for it myself.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Jan 17
If its new or something, but used & in the dumpster, I don't think so.
1 person likes this
@supercalifredge (606)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby Yeah used, probably not.
1 person likes this
@diosabella (4789)
•
2 Jan 17
I dont want things from the dumpster inside the house. But im flexible if its for my outdoor garden though.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@diosabella Lol I wont go near the dumpster =)
1 person likes this
@diosabella (4789)
•
2 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby I can stand the sight but I cant stand the smell.. Will gag all the way. 
1 person likes this
@miesse2 (226)
• Canada
29 Jan 17
I had a family member who used to dumpster dive all the time, She used to ensure that the places she checked did not sell groceries therefore less likely for contamination of the stuff she took and sold (as that is what she did with them) It was the only way she could survive in her opinion on her measly wage and she made out nicely. I think I personally would be too squeamish to even consider dumpster diving, What if there are Rats?
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
29 Jan 17
That is good it worked out for her.
I would feel icky, especially if there were rats or something. I watched one where they found a raccoon! I would be terrified!
