I normally don't have a problem with dumpster diving but my neighbors across the street just moved out and had large garbage bags placed next to a picnic table and other items that they were getting rid of and people would stop and rip open the garbage bags.  Some of it was actual garbage.  Made the neighbor's yard look bad.  And I'm sure had a negative effect on the owner trying to sell it. Please don't rip open garbage bags unless you plan on taking ALL of it with you.

I feel that we waste so much in this country that to me this is recyceling that helps all of us. Our landfills are so filled with trash and we have forgotten how we use to patch, fix and keep using what we had till it really was only good for the trash can. Don't feel embarrassed about trying to help our world in this way, but, I do agree about making your trip to someones trash in as little time as possible. I look, if it is close to the top or sitting outside of the dumpster I pick it up and leave. I have put a sign in the front of our building offering free items, and that works well also if you live in an apartment building. A relative of mine puts it out on the grass by the street and puts a free sign on the many items that still have use.

I've gotten so much stuff from the trash--it's amazing, really:  I've found a bike ($35 to fix it up), a nice candle stand which turned out to be VERY useful during the regular blackouts my apartment had, a perfectly serviceable toaster--I let it toast several pieces of freezer-burned bread before using it--a nice chair, several books, a pretty blue bowl to hold my hair-ties.  And I've never even been in a dumpster--most of the things (including the toaster) were just left in piles on the side of the street.  I now live in a country where trash is regulated by very strict rules, so I haven't gone dumpster diving, but it is indeed amazing what you can find.  

One other tip I'm surprised wasn't mentioned:  go to universities around finals, when people start moving out.   All manners of things get unloaded then.

That article was hilarious! I mean, come on... "etiquette" for dumpster diving? I didn't realize there was such a thing, or even laws that govern it for that matter.

Based on what Jules just said, I may have to dive in and see what I kind next time I have a spare minute.

Who knows... I'm young and just recently married; I could use some free stuff here and there.

http://www.financialnut.com

When I was a kid the family nextdoor would spend their weekends "garbage picking" not only for stuff for themselves but stuff they could fix up and sell.  They would take me with them and I never quite got it out of my system.

I used to only take things after dark.  I reasoned that if it wasn't there when I came back someone else who needed it more than me took it.

I must be getting older and more brazen now - - - I see it, I stop for it, I take it.  

I had a hamster that gave me 12 babies, and I was fortunate enough to find enough empty aquariums in people's trash to put them all in.  They're gone now - Anybody need a fishtank?

I never even heard of thirft stores or dumpster diving until I moved from New York to California in 2001. A new friend introduced me first to thrift stores ( which I am totally obsessed with,in terms of never ever paying full price for 90% of my household & clo. thing) unless it's for my 15 year old daughter yet if she is not with me and I remove the tags she is conviced that the purchase was made at dept. store not a thrift store  . Which this year she actually stated that she was content and happy with all the clothes she recieved for "back to school" of course she thinks that I purchased them in the mall(I find brand new with store tagged items regularly ) So in her young brand name state of youth attitude I paid close to a thousand dollars in clothing alone . not counting the 7 pairs of shoes school supplies, etc. Yet my total for all was between 350-500 (not quite sure since all eviedence was removed prior to returning home,hahah!) My experince in Dumpster Diving also was experinced with same friend ,was having fun until while in a dumpster ( I know not smart) she informed me that in our city Fremont CA, it is in fact illegal to dumpster dive , I was freaked, the first thing that came to mind was my mother & brothers seeing me on front page of newspaper " 2 Women caught Dumpster Diving Judge Making A example to hopefully prevent this agian" let's just say that my mother would not like to have to see family and most important Freinds if that ever was to happen . I think she would have me commited . Our social statis is way too important to her.  But it's the best fun and having beautiful Name Brand or not name brand items for pennies compared to what some people I socialize and grew up with pay, let's just say it my personal and best kept secert that I will keep for myself.  

Why do people make such a big deal out of "dumpster diving?" I live in an apartment complex and people are always moving in and out and set unwanted items NEXT to the dumpster - often with a *free* sign. In fact, large items shouldn't be left IN the dumpster because the waste management will charge extra or even leave it behind. So it is actually helpful to have items accessable so others can just pick them up. What we throw into landfills is a shame! Granted I am not going to get IN a dumpster and I hope I never have to forage there for food, but picking up items setting NEXT to a dumpster is not a big deal to me. I have furnished most of my apartment with quality furnishings for practically nothing except my time and effort to get them home. I didn't intend to do that, but that is what happened. I am saving thousands towards my new home, so I have NO SHAME in being a self professed dumpster diva.

If I'm going to throw something away because I don't have time to put it on Freecycle, I put it by the dumpster and hope someone takes it. I think of it as saving the environment.

Just a word of caution about taking shoes from the dumpster.

My daughter had a nail fungus. Doctor visits, fungus tests, blood work fees, medication costs (the generic was $100 a month!), etc. totaled $900 by the time we got rid of it. We had to throw all her shoes away to prevent reinfection (more $ to replace shoes). Many of the shoes we tossed in the dumpster were expensive barely worn designer brands. I refused to donate them to a thrift store and risk infecting someone else BECAUSE we suspect she (and a relative she gave the boots to after she tired of them) caught the fungus from a pair of cowboy boots we got at a garage sale.

Use some caution when dumpster diving about what you salvage. It could end up costing you more than you save.

Who ever made the comment to check around the University at finals was not joking. Imagine piles of home furnishings as far as the eye can see. In Tempe there is a line of Divers to get at the gooods. They are GOOOOOOOOOOD.