Dumpster Dipping (for a Small Planet or Just for Fun)
Intro: Dumpster Dipping (for a Small Planet or Just for Fun)
Dumpster Dipping (please avoid dangerous diving) is an enjoyable activity involving a pleasant bike ride, a hunt, the thrill of discovery, the mystery of recent archeology, forensic storytelling, good Karma recycling, and a form of shopping with green environmental impact. It helps me get in touch with my early human hunter gathering roots. It is similar to gold panning, hunting, geo-caching, shopping, gambling and other hunt and find challenges where there are a variety of possible outcomes.
It is also possible to undo your entire carbon footprint through the recycling of other people's former stuff.
It is also possible to undo your entire carbon footprint through the recycling of other people's former stuff.
STEP 1: What Would I See If I'm Brave Enough to Look?
There are many things in the dumpster that do not deserve to be buried yet.
You will see some things that do, and some that do not, belong in the dumpster.
You can recycle them, repurpose them, make them into art.
You can clean them up and use them, donate them or just set them next to the dumpster hoping they are adopted (Catch and Release).
I finds lots of clothing, household goods, computers, appliances, vacuum cleaners, household chemicals, paint, mixed drawers emptied into bags, coins, postage, furniture, on and on.
Some of the best items found to date:
Autographed scripts from "The King of Queens", new Navajo woven rug, LCD computer projector, various hand tools, a folding bike, complete sound systems with music CD's, and record players with records.
You will see some things that do, and some that do not, belong in the dumpster.
You can recycle them, repurpose them, make them into art.
You can clean them up and use them, donate them or just set them next to the dumpster hoping they are adopted (Catch and Release).
I finds lots of clothing, household goods, computers, appliances, vacuum cleaners, household chemicals, paint, mixed drawers emptied into bags, coins, postage, furniture, on and on.
Some of the best items found to date:
Autographed scripts from "The King of Queens", new Navajo woven rug, LCD computer projector, various hand tools, a folding bike, complete sound systems with music CD's, and record players with records.
STEP 2: One Bike Load of Today's Treasure
The end of the summer session made for a big dumpster day on college campuses.
This represents one very big bike load of primarily clothing.
I also got a laptop computer and its case and cords.
I plan to keep a couple of shirts. I plan to keep the brand new chopper bike fork and use it in a future custom bike (Maybe a wood-chopper?).
My niece wants the jeans for some projects and my daughter found a jacket she likes. The rest is about 6 bags of clothing and luggage for the charities.
You could have frequent garage sales if you liked that sort of fun.
I recycled about 100 lbs of paper and cardboard, and a couple pounds of bottles and cans.
This represents one very big bike load of primarily clothing.
I also got a laptop computer and its case and cords.
I plan to keep a couple of shirts. I plan to keep the brand new chopper bike fork and use it in a future custom bike (Maybe a wood-chopper?).
My niece wants the jeans for some projects and my daughter found a jacket she likes. The rest is about 6 bags of clothing and luggage for the charities.
You could have frequent garage sales if you liked that sort of fun.
I recycled about 100 lbs of paper and cardboard, and a couple pounds of bottles and cans.
STEP 3: The Tools Are Optional
Tools are optional and used mostly to extend your reach.
Most useful:
A good gripper for general picking up of things like books, paper, clothes, desk drawer emptied into a bag, etc
Instructable on making a grabber
A loop and tube (lasso on a pole) for lifting heavy or slippery things like pipes, full bottles, chairs.
Bring your Identification. (The authorities like being able to look you up and let you go.)
Optional:
Some old bike inner tubes to use as bungee cords for lashing down the load.
A box cutter for flattening boxes and skinning broken fancy leather chairs,
pliers, wire cutters, screw drivers, crescent wrench, and
a stick with a nail or screw out the side for hooking items or stabbing and dragging cardboard.
Most useful:
A good gripper for general picking up of things like books, paper, clothes, desk drawer emptied into a bag, etc
Instructable on making a grabber
A loop and tube (lasso on a pole) for lifting heavy or slippery things like pipes, full bottles, chairs.
Bring your Identification. (The authorities like being able to look you up and let you go.)
Optional:
Some old bike inner tubes to use as bungee cords for lashing down the load.
A box cutter for flattening boxes and skinning broken fancy leather chairs,
pliers, wire cutters, screw drivers, crescent wrench, and
a stick with a nail or screw out the side for hooking items or stabbing and dragging cardboard.
STEP 4: Start of the Run
I start out with an empty cargo bike made of a mountain bike fitted with an Xtracycle cargo conversion. The cargo bike was given to me by campus maintenance folks who were having trouble trying to fit it in the dumpster.
Biking is the best way to go. Low carbon output, fresh air, exercise, low stress, stealth, ease of maneuverability, and low threat projection.
Biking is the best way to go. Low carbon output, fresh air, exercise, low stress, stealth, ease of maneuverability, and low threat projection.
STEP 5: Dumpster Dipping Etiquette
Dumpster Dipping Etiquette is very important. You are in other people's turf and you have access to their prior belongings so don't make a mess, and don't embarrass them.
Dumpster Dipper's Etiquette
1. Do not get into the dumpster. "Dumpster Diving" is just a phrase.
2. Do not Dumpster Dip on private property. Respect any "NO TRESPASSING" signs.
3. Do not Dumpster Dip in the recycling bins. That stuff is already going to a better place.
4. If a civilian asks what you are doing, you can truthfully say "I'm looking for Boxes". Or "Other people's recycling, want to help?" That will confuse them.
5. If the police ask what you are doing, tell them what you are doing and why. The recycling, the charity donations, the keeping some for your family, how you are clean, careful and considerate, your philosophy on how this is in keeping with community environmental goals, where dumpster materials go if you do not rescue them, etc. The officer will be squirming to get away from you after a minute. Be agreeable. Do not argue with them.
6. If any one asks you to leave - do it. Don't argue. Don't discuss it. You can always come back later.
7. Transfer cardboard, mixed paper and aluminum from the dumpster to the recycle bins. Each pound transfered reduces Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by about 3 pounds of CO2.
8. Leave the dumpster and it's environs neater than how you found it.
9. Wash your hands often. Think like a raccoon.
10. Be pleasant, encourage folks to recycle and handle material properly.
Dumpster Dipper's Etiquette
1. Do not get into the dumpster. "Dumpster Diving" is just a phrase.
2. Do not Dumpster Dip on private property. Respect any "NO TRESPASSING" signs.
3. Do not Dumpster Dip in the recycling bins. That stuff is already going to a better place.
4. If a civilian asks what you are doing, you can truthfully say "I'm looking for Boxes". Or "Other people's recycling, want to help?" That will confuse them.
5. If the police ask what you are doing, tell them what you are doing and why. The recycling, the charity donations, the keeping some for your family, how you are clean, careful and considerate, your philosophy on how this is in keeping with community environmental goals, where dumpster materials go if you do not rescue them, etc. The officer will be squirming to get away from you after a minute. Be agreeable. Do not argue with them.
6. If any one asks you to leave - do it. Don't argue. Don't discuss it. You can always come back later.
7. Transfer cardboard, mixed paper and aluminum from the dumpster to the recycle bins. Each pound transfered reduces Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by about 3 pounds of CO2.
8. Leave the dumpster and it's environs neater than how you found it.
9. Wash your hands often. Think like a raccoon.
10. Be pleasant, encourage folks to recycle and handle material properly.
STEP 6: Safety
Safety is a priority in this hobby.
Do not get in the dumpster! Reach in, preferably with a gripper stick.
If you reach with your hands wear gloves.
Only touch things gently in case there are sharp things lurking.
Do not eat from open packages.
Do not encourage minors to be dippers. Safe Dipping takes good judgment, and you may encounter non-kid-appropriate items.
Do not get in the dumpster! Reach in, preferably with a gripper stick.
If you reach with your hands wear gloves.
Only touch things gently in case there are sharp things lurking.
Do not eat from open packages.
Do not encourage minors to be dippers. Safe Dipping takes good judgment, and you may encounter non-kid-appropriate items.
STEP 7: Stealth?
Stealth can add to the fun.
I am usually quiet, discreet and business like.
But being silly is fun too. Note the lowered stance to avoid attracting attention.
Also it helps to run serpentine. :-)
You can make the run more challenging by trying to avoid detection.
Mostly I just try to avoid detention.
I am usually quiet, discreet and business like.
But being silly is fun too. Note the lowered stance to avoid attracting attention.
Also it helps to run serpentine. :-)
You can make the run more challenging by trying to avoid detection.
Mostly I just try to avoid detention.
STEP 8: Manage Your Karma and Your Luck Will Manage Itself
Managing your Karma has a great impact on the pleasure of the run. I find that by focusing primarily on the good deeds of recycling of cardboard, mixed paper and some aluminum, the time passes enjoyably with little frustration. Focusing on the recycling makes the discoveries of "treasure*" all the sweeter and seemingly more frequent. Conversely, if I'm seeking a coffee maker with no other purpose for the trip, I just keep finding disappointment.
- Treasure refers to useful items I can use, share or donate etc.
STEP 9: Offsetting Your Carbon Footprint by Recycling Instead of Landfilling.
Material and pounds of CO2 emission prevented by recycling each pound of material*
Aluminum : 15.0 (pounds of CO2 / pound of material)
Steel Cans: 2.0
Copper : 5.5
Mixed Metals: 5.8
Glass: 0.4
PETE Plastic: 1.7
Corrugated Box Cardboard: 3.2
Magazines: 2.8
Newspaper: 1.9
Office Paper: 4.1
Mixed Paper Board: 3.7
Mixed Residential Paper: 3.6
Mixed Office Paper: 3.7
Information distilled from US EPA's website and their WARM spreadsheet EPA's solid waste models
Aluminum : 15.0 (pounds of CO2 / pound of material)
Steel Cans: 2.0
Copper : 5.5
Mixed Metals: 5.8
Glass: 0.4
PETE Plastic: 1.7
Corrugated Box Cardboard: 3.2
Magazines: 2.8
Newspaper: 1.9
Office Paper: 4.1
Mixed Paper Board: 3.7
Mixed Residential Paper: 3.6
Mixed Office Paper: 3.7
Information distilled from US EPA's website and their WARM spreadsheet EPA's solid waste models
- Compared to burying it in a landfill that captures its methane and burns it in a green power generator to displace other powerplants. If your landfill ain't that green, your recycling is even more beneficial.
STEP 10: Where to Troll on the Suburban Trapline
College campuses have lots of good castoffs from students moving out at the end of the quarter, especially in June. When they leave, some toss everything in large mixed bags into the trash dumpster. You can help out by sorting the recyclables and skimming off the use-ables, donate-ables and repurpose-ables. Keep an eye out for tossed text books that can be resold to the campus bookstore (very lucrative recycling).
Clothing, lamps, appliances, furniture, bikes, scooters, tools, supplies, computers, electronics, music, books, etc.
Another productive spot is behind retail outlets where they toss broken or damaged, blemished goods in the trash. It is fun to see what can be found, rescued, repaired or repurposed. They also toss a lot of display rack material (Metal tubing, Beautiful lumber, shelving).
The dumpsters are like traps that catch what some people no longer want. You can go and rescue items before they are entombed. You can set items free or domesticate them for your own uses.
Clothing, lamps, appliances, furniture, bikes, scooters, tools, supplies, computers, electronics, music, books, etc.
Another productive spot is behind retail outlets where they toss broken or damaged, blemished goods in the trash. It is fun to see what can be found, rescued, repaired or repurposed. They also toss a lot of display rack material (Metal tubing, Beautiful lumber, shelving).
The dumpsters are like traps that catch what some people no longer want. You can go and rescue items before they are entombed. You can set items free or domesticate them for your own uses.
STEP 11: The Five Stages of Grieving Applied to Climate Change
Coming to terms with the reality of climate change and the implications of the loss of the old climate is like coming to terms with the loss of a loved one and we see evidence that different people are in each of the five steps of grieving for the old climate.
1) Denial (Today is colder than normal here, therefore, The Scientists are wrong! wrong! wrong!)
2) Anger (Al Gore's son was caught speeding. So global climate change is a hoax.)
3) Depression (There is nothing we can do, the Chinese coal plants will drown us all.)
4) Bargaining (Maybe I can just buy some carbon offsets and someone will plant a tree for me.)
5) Acceptance (The greenhouse effect and climate change are now part of my reality and I will interact with that reality as best as I can in a constructive manner. My legacy will be about proper behavior in the face of the facts.)
Be part of the solution.
It is not too late to change.
1) Denial (Today is colder than normal here, therefore, The Scientists are wrong! wrong! wrong!)
2) Anger (Al Gore's son was caught speeding. So global climate change is a hoax.)
3) Depression (There is nothing we can do, the Chinese coal plants will drown us all.)
4) Bargaining (Maybe I can just buy some carbon offsets and someone will plant a tree for me.)
5) Acceptance (The greenhouse effect and climate change are now part of my reality and I will interact with that reality as best as I can in a constructive manner. My legacy will be about proper behavior in the face of the facts.)
Be part of the solution.
It is not too late to change.
195 Comments
WestcoastR 8 years ago
Amazing !!! West coast recycle provides best junk removal services in at affordable prices. Our garbage pails can handle all type of waste for all different jobs. It allows you to quickly find the right size dumpster for your project.
NomadHobbyist 9 years ago
Enter this into the On A Budget Contest! I'll definitely vote!
__michonne 9 years ago
Some colleges host a recycle event and anyone can come in an trade or share items
Woodenbikes 9 years ago
SIRJAMES09 9 years ago
OK, it's official...
I'm jealous....I go dumpster diving all the time & I NEVER EVER found stuff like that....
places around my home, I hit them up 3 x a week....the other 2 days I have 2 routes that I run....
TY for sharing Sir.
Woodenbikes 9 years ago
conchoman 14 years ago
ushuaia 9 years ago
He did mention that he goes around after the end of the semester.
pyrotechnical 15 years ago
spawnos3717 9 years ago
Coffee grounds can be used in compost for gardening
Agentfern 12 years ago
PointyOintment 13 years ago
Original: http://www.botjunkie.com/2010/10/26/balloon-plus-coffee-grounds-equals-versatile-robot-gripper/
Homemade version: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2011/01/homemade-coffee-balloon-gripper-eas.html
BeanGolem 15 years ago
pyrotechnical 15 years ago
3366carlos 11 years ago
rocketburn 11 years ago
bajablue 11 years ago
ilpug 12 years ago
Reuse Portland 12 years ago
My best finds:
Ipod
Computer flat screens
Photographers Luggage
Lots of Beer
Textbooks, Textbooks, Textbooks
$1,200 Italian suit (My size!)
Tricorvus 12 years ago