Dumpster Diving: Free And GREEN!

I was browsing blogs today and found a particularly interesting post from Clair @ Mummy Deals about Dumpster Diving. She got some great looking furniture from a neighbor who didn't need them anymore. I thought this sounded like a great tip to post about....and possibly a great discussion.

"Dumpster Diving" doesn't have to be all about jumping into a dirty, grimy dumpster to obtain goods that someone has thrown out. Many people set the bigger furniture items near the dumpster, or next to their personal trash cans near the curb for the Garbage Truck to pick up.

And not everything thrown out is in pieces or filthy either. Many people just don't have the time (or vehicle at that) to take their "junk" to a recycling center or sell at a garage sale, etc. They end up throwing their goods away or placing them near the dumpster or garbage can.

So you might be thinking that "Dumpster Diving" is embarrassing or gross or low...but not necessarily. You are doing several individuals a favor: the previous owner (for getting it off their lawn), the Garbage person (so they have less to haul), and youself (you are getting the item for FREE)! Just try not to actually get in the dumpsters.....THAT part is gross.

I personally have found an end table, 2 tv stands, a desk, a chair (for the desk), a small file cabinet, a small bookcase (that matched one of the tv stands), and a couch! Most of the stuff I got was a little less than perfect (couch needs some steam cleaning and the end table has a small chip out of it) but they are functional and well needed.

I got all my items from around my apartment complex, which explains why some things weren't that great...but there are nicer neighborhoods with people who need to get rid of their stuff.

Places to Check:

*nicer neighborhoods (usually near sidewalk/trash cans...ask first if you are not sure)
*nice apartment complexes (near dumpsters)
*behind stores (be sure to ask first)

Some people also advertise their free good on places like Craigslist and Freecycle for easier removal and to make sure if someone actually wants it. Check my sidebar for more Freebie Communities.

Have you ever "Dumpster Dived"? Have you ever gotten anything really good? Got any tips for getting the good stuff? Feel free to leave me a comment. I'd love to hear your stories.