How to Dumpster Dive

It's the ultimate in bargain hunting -- salvaging food and other items that businesses toss every day, much of it in excellent condition. See if you have what it takes to dumpster dive.

To complete this how-to, you will need:

Heavy-duty rubber gloves
Headlamp
Broom handle with nail
Stepladder or stool
Duct tape
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
First-aid kit
Heavy-duty trash bags
Coveralls
Designated shoes
Timing
Restraint
Partner (optional)

Step 1: Check local laws

Check with your local authorities to see if dumpster diving is legal in your area; laws vary from county to county. In many places it's legal as long as you're not trespassing.

Step 2: Have the right gear

Have the right gear: heavy-duty rubber gloves, a headlamp, a broom handle with a nail in it to hook bags, a stepladder or stool, duct tape to seal damaged bags, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, a basic first-aid kit in case you hurt yourself, and heavy-duty trash bags to cart off your haul.

Step 3: Wear coveralls

Wear a pair of coveralls over your clothes; when you're done for the night, strip them off, stuff them in a bag, and take them home for washing. Set aside an old pair of shoes for your dumpster dives.

It helps to have a partner to hold heavy lids open and stand outside the dumpster if you decide to climb in.

Step 4: Time your dives

Time your dumpster dives; the best time to hit food stores and restaurants is right after closing time, when they've thrown out what they don't think they'll be able to sell the next day.

Step 5: Understand expiration dates

Understand food expiration labels. "Sell by" items remain good for several days past that date. "Use by" indicates the date the item will begin to lose freshness; normally, food remains safe to eat a few days past then; it just might not taste as good. Of course, if it looks or smells bad don't eat it -- especially when it comes to meat and fish.

Canned foods stay good for years as long as the seal hasn't been broken.

Step 6: Follow etiquette

Follow the two rules of dumpster diving etiquette: Don't take more than you can use, unless you plan to share your bounty; and leave the area tidier than you found it.

In 2010, dumpster-diving college students found a speaking-engagement contract for former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and leaked it to a state senator, who forwarded it to the press.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• dumpster
• dive
• food
• bargain
• trash
• environment
• salvage
• leftovers
• cans
• market

[Iwuzhere321]

"Don't eat it if it smells bad..."

IT'S IN A FUCKING DUMPSTER YOU STUPID WHORE!

[tenpinbowl12]

Gordan Freeman has really let himself go.

[iownmygang]

@lollyland12345 game stop i made 500$ off dumpster diving i got 3 xbox 360s but i made 2 work with parts from 1

[trollingyou666]

ewwww you rats!!! Disease, Pestilence, sickness and destruction!

[0702Rocky]

PROM NIGHT DUMPSTER BABY!!!!! I'm sorry i just HAD to say that!

[Smaxxen]

or just jump in and take what you want :D

[lollyland12345]

Y would u even want to dumpster dive when u have good food at home

[pjlurker420]

This isn't for hobos. Its for people who would like to see people/stores waste less and are ready to pick out the waste thats not turely waste. Saves money and helps out on the amount of waste in junkyards.

[crazydaniel1231]

this is for binraders 

[NeonRockstars]

Whats this song?

[M00nLyght]

from where the fuck this hobo is having all the special things?

[iDogtag]

He said 'stool'. *giggle*