So, here's a new article, this time about dumpster diving! This article is divided into several questions to cover as much as I know about this interesting hobby.
What is dumpster diving? The term dumpster diving covers any method of looking for stuff in any kind of trash. It doesn't necessarily, and rarely does, mean sticking your head in the neighbor's trash can
As lighting collectors, we especially look for scrap metal containers, since those can hide all kinds of lighting fixtures.
Where to dumpster dive? About any place where trash is thrown away can hide something interesting. We have the luck here in North America to be
legally able to dumpster dive. Although many owners of stores or other places may not like to see people getting into their trash. We shall look for two possible places where you have the greatest chances to have a successful hunt:
- Metal recyclers.
If you can afford it, you can ask a metal recycler to take specific stuff. More often than not, they'll charge you, but it's gonna be really cheap, especially if you look for a very specific part, like a preheat choke. You can also just dive into their public dumpster, but from personal experience I don't recommend you to do so
- Recycle centres.
It is always worth it to ask for lighting stuff in such places. Just by saying you don't resell it, you put all chances on your side. That is how I got a privileged access to the fluorescent tube stash, an area that is usually prohibited to take anything from. You may also have the chance to get as many fluorescent fixtures or other fixtures as you want.
- Various dumpsters.
The easiest way to get started is to look for dumpsters in your area. A good start would be to check if your garbage picking company places public dumpsters. Generally it is tolerated to dive in such dumpsters.
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What do I need ? Of course you need some basic equipment to make sure your hunts will always end on a good note. First off, some gloves are essentials. Not only they prevent injuries, but they keep your hands warm if you're brave enough to dumpster dive in winter!
Another good addition to your equipment is a pair of steel cap boots. Especially for us who are prone to dive into scrap metal, they can protect your feet against potientially dangerous injuries. Finally, T-Shirts and shorts are not the clothes to wear during dumpster diving.
You will also need some tools. If you choose your tools in a smart way, it can be as few as 2. Personally I bring 3: a set of screw bits with a screwdriver, a screwdriver with a set of very small bits, and a pair of standard pliers. With such a set, you can take apart virtually anything you could find in a dumpster, from a cooking range to a computer, anything!
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I guess there are dumpster diving "techniques" right? Yup! It is useless to bring home a whole cooking range if you only want the preheat fluorescent circuit inside! In that case, you will need to....
TAKE IT APART!
As stupid as it may sound, it takes some practice to be able to take things apart properly!
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No, store that sledgehammer
Actually, each time you disassemble something you have to figure out how it's been assembled, because a sledgehammer will break it open, yeah, but you'll most certainly break what you want inside, too.
