Tips: Dumpster Diving Tool Kit

[WillUBMyKnight]

Originally Posted by Kenzey's Mom I found a store that was closing and had huge stacks of papers on the curb, I felt really weird about taking them while they were still open. So I waited until they closed and it was dark and then I loaded all the papers in my cart and speed home.... I looked like a bag lady, but boy did it pay off not only did I get this weeks inserts (about 30 of them) but I also got last weeks...

I could be wrong, and I'm not accusing you...this is just my opinion...

The papers were probably on the curb so that the store could get credit for them from the newspaper delivery guy. I think you might have technically just stolen them :shrug7:

In the future, I would actually ASK the gas station attendant what happens to the papers once he leaves for the night. If he says, nothing, they go in the trash, ask if you can have them. If he says the delivery guy counts them, gives us credit, and then takes them back, ask what time the driver usually comes...maybe you could have a late night rendezvous with him and ask to take them once he's done.

Also, my gas station told me that I can definitely have the papers AFTER the delivery guy has come (they get dumped into a "Newspaper Only" trash can) but that I can't do it any time before that because the delivery driver does spot check audits to make sure, specifically, that someone hasn't "mutilated" the paper.

Moral of the story, ASK ASK ASK! It will definitely feel weird at first, but once you've asked 1 gas station, the rest will be a piece of cake...head held high, chest puffed out, "I want your unsold Sunday newspapers!!" Not to mention, I've had a local cop come by to visit me (while pulling inserts) and it was a VERY good feeling to say "I have Bill's permission to do this." Otherwise it would have potentially cost me a coffee & donut Now I just wave as he drives by LoL

[WillUBMyKnight]

P.S. I scored 65, yes, 65 P&G inserts by visiting my gas stations that Monday (I visit 2 regularly, 4 if I'm desperate)...my "normal" is about 30-40 per insert per region (we have 3 different regional inserts).

[sidsloop]

Originally Posted by LakelandLady Give these folks a hand... dumpster diving should be an Olympic Event..come on diving is.... why not the DUMPSTER version!

probably b/c most often you aren't in a revealing swimsuit in hte DUMPSTER version. I personally prefer male diving events, but don't think I would recommend those athletes perform the dumpster version in the same uniform....

[Colinsgrandma]

Am I the only person who feels sentimental when I find a really great insert that has expired? You know like Wow! there's that coupon for free peanut butter...too bad they didn't pitch it sooner .

[Kenzey's Mom]

Originally Posted by WillUBMyKnight I could be wrong, and I'm not accusing you...this is just my opinion... The papers were probably on the curb so that the store could get credit for them from the newspaper delivery guy. I think you might have technically just stolen them :shrug7: In the future, I would actually ASK the gas station attendant what happens to the papers once he leaves for the night. If he says, nothing, they go in the trash, ask if you can have them. If he says the delivery guy counts them, gives us credit, and then takes them back, ask what time the driver usually comes...maybe you could have a late night rendezvous with him and ask to take them once he's done. Also, my gas station told me that I can definitely have the papers AFTER the delivery guy has come (they get dumped into a "Newspaper Only" trash can) but that I can't do it any time before that because the delivery driver does spot check audits to make sure, specifically, that someone hasn't "mutilated" the paper. Moral of the story, ASK ASK ASK! It will definitely feel weird at first, but once you've asked 1 gas station, the rest will be a piece of cake...head held high, chest puffed out, "I want your unsold Sunday newspapers!!" Not to mention, I've had a local cop come by to visit me (while pulling inserts) and it was a VERY good feeling to say "I have Bill's permission to do this." Otherwise it would have potentially cost me a coffee & donut Now I just wave as he drives by LoL

Thanks for the concern but I know for a fact that in my area (NY/NJ) all that is needed for the store to get their credit is the front cover, and that was torn off of all the papers I took. These papers were also in between cardboard boxes and other bags of trash that are put out as I stated for curbside sunday pickup. That's why I felt weird about going through the trash. Most if not all the stores in our city have metal locked boxes situated right next to their stores where the newpaper delivery guy put's the days newspaper in and takes the cut covers out for credit. (I guess I know a lot about the way these stores work because my dad owned a deli for 15years!!)

I would never of taken something I knew the store would of gotten credit for. I understand that maybe in other parts of country the whole paper is needed for credit, but I know for a fact that only the front cover is needed in my area. But I do appreciate the advice and concern...

[stanleycup]

trust me the picture of the lady falling in the dumpster would be me so my husband would do it and when i lived in nj i had a freind who worked in a deli and he got me tons of coupons . now i live in colorodo i cant get alot it is harder for me. help !

[WillUBMyKnight]

Originally Posted by Kenzey's Mom I do appreciate the advice and concern...

Sorry about that! Just the way it was put, that was the 1st thing that came to mind.

I'm upstate (NY) and yeah, they actually only rip one of the corners off...but...again, sorry about that - I didn't realize you had that part covered

[Nerice]

Originally Posted by MoneyPenny Unfortunately some people here ARE to be talking about physically diving into bins. IMO It is very irresponsible to assume that just because a bin is labeled for recycling that it will not contain other, potentially hazardous, materials.

I get in them, I sit in them, I even organize them, I even take the cardboard out and put it in the cardboard recycle bin.

Why would you assume people assume there is only paper in them? I look very well before climbing in. How stuff is stacked up even makes a difference at which spot I climb in.

I am very aware how much just a simple needle could spell huge problems, and am careful. I would assume others are just as careful about how they go about getting the inserts out of the bins.

[Kenzey's Mom]

Originally Posted by WillUBMyKnight Sorry about that! Just the way it was put, that was the 1st thing that came to mind. I'm upstate (NY) and yeah, they actually only rip one of the corners off...but...again, sorry about that - I didn't realize you had that part covered

No problem! I really do appreciate your concern. I am new to all of this and it is really great that you're looking out for me.

[purefoxy]

I think it is illegal to dumpster dive in our town. However, I may be able to get away with it if I use my kids as lookouts! :)