Whatever Wednesday: Dumpster Diving

http://hootpinter.wordpress.com/2011/08/

Alright, I know, initial response - GROSS! But, it is good. I got my blender dumpster diving, saving me like $20  to $40.  I've also got a lot of my dishes from dumpster diving and some of the clothes/things that I use in my DIY projects. There are a few rules/suggestions/tips I abide by.

1) Only take things used in the kitchen that are thrown away together. None of the dishes I've taken have been covered in food - they are all clean. I got my dishes from a garbage bag filled with dishes. It was closed off from the rest of the garbage by the garbage bag and only thrown away with similar things so, I felt safe taking it. 

2) Same goes for clothes.

3) Wear clothes that don't matter (obvious right?)

4) Wear tennis shoes or boots. You probably won't go looking to step in something disgusting but, you might by accident. You don't want that. I went dumpster diving in flip flops once - poor choice. (<-- that was an understatement fyi)

5) Go with a friend. They can help you decided between trash or treasure, as well as make you feel less stupid about going diving.

6) Choose when to go diving. The best time in my town - after winter term of college ends. For my school, that is in April. 3/4ths of the school is going home for the summer and they have accrued stuff that they don't need or don't have room to take home or store, thus, tons of useful stuff is thrown out! It is a complete waste. I saw a full sized Christmas tree once. My friend got Christmas lights. We found matching vintage frootloops mugs. Seriously, college kids get some of the weirdest/coolest stuff and then realize it isn't as useful as other things they need more. But, some of them are just brats and throw out useful things too. (...like a working blender...). That's the when (basically when anyone, not just college students, are moving out is a good time to dive into their dumpster). 

7) Wash everything afterward no matter if it looks clean. Yeah, it was still in the trash my friend no matter how fab it is.

8) Take a shower. 'nuff said.

What's your opinion on dumpster diving? Love it? Hate it? My big brother told me off for doing it but my big sister texted me "what did you find!? :)"

Happy Diving,

xoxo,

Kels