Dumpster Diving Tips for Apartment Dwellers

Apartment complexes are in a constant state of flux.  People move and people move out.  Sometimes when they move out, those former neighbors leave cool stuff by the dumpster or trash compactor.  If you've ever been tempted to dumpster dive, you've probably seen some interesting items.  For example, I've found perfectly good televisions and shelving units.

But, before you take up dumpster diving, there are a few things you should know:

Dumpster Diving - By {* ferris!' (Flickr) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

#1. Never climb into a trash compactor.  Some are set to automatically compact trash on an intermittant basis.  This can be deadly.  No one--including you Indian guest workers--should ever climb into a compactor.  I wouldn't climb in a dumpster either since it might contain rats and all sorts of germs and bacteria.

#2.  Never take upholstered furniture unless you personally know the donor.  I found a perfect chair once.  Brought it home and found that cats had peed in it.  Sometimes, it is totally worth it to buy a new piece of furniture with a background you know than risk bringing a dumpster find into your home.

#3.  Never take food items from near a dumpster.  Some newcomers to America leave excess uncooked food items at the dumpster for other residents to take.  That's a really bad idea.  The dumpster area is a breeding ground for bacteria and is also frequented by vermin such as rats, mice, raccoons, and Possums.

Young Raccoons in a Dumpster - By PookieFugglestein (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

#4.  Never take electronics after rain.  The circuitry could be compromised by water, short out, or even start a fire.  You never want to put your fellow residents at risk.