Dumpster Diving Tool Kit

[temroy2]

ok ? Here in Oklahoma City my recycling bins are the itibiti (?) they are green and yellow just like a regular dumpster ( used the link) and they say do not ...basically take out the paper from the dumpster.Are these the recycling bins you all dig from? Because i do not wanna go to jail:sad: bu tI really want the coupons...

All of our recycling dumpsters are the green and yellow ones, too, but only a couple of them have the 'do not take' type signage on the outside. So I don't mess with those, just the ones that don't have the signs.

I looked online for laws regarding recycling dumpsters and couldn't find anything so unless a cop tells me otherwise, I assume it's legal.

[wyldroze]

how is this any different than what you do? your garbage man just gets paid to rummage through the trash looking for treasures.

[asf15]

I did it! I am officially a member of the dumpster diving club for inserts. I have been couponing since January, but I finally bit the bullet and did it. I just went through the recycling dumpster at the church across the street from my house. I even went home to get my tongs because I could see full insert sections at the bottom and I couldn't reach. I'm so bummed because my grill tongs didn't work to grab them! Now, if I could only convice DH to go back over - he'd be able to reach them.
Anyway, I can't wait to go back! ha ha ha!!!

[PeachySteph]

I went to the recycling center yesterday. I had a box of newspapers to turn in, and thought I'd ask about going through papers.
They guy told me "sure as long as you can pull your vehicle out of the way". So I pulled up on the grass next to one of the dumpsters.

There were THREE dumpsters reserved just for newspapers. Only one was full enough to reach papers through the windows on the sides. As if being just shy of 5'3" and trying to reach in there isn't bad enough, ants kept biting my feet! :hectic1:

Quite a few ppl walked by me SLOWLY trying to figure out what I was doing. I just smiled sweetly and continued my scavenger hunt.

Eventually the guy came over and said "my boss will be here in 20min or so, and I dont want any trouble" lol so in other words "please go before I get in trouble". I wasn't able to go back and thank him or ask him if I could keep coming. It started to get real busy. I'll go again next week around the same time (a little earlier), I'm assuming the same guy would be working. At least I hope so.

Any ideas how I can thank him?

I know these may be listed in the toolkit thread, but I want to stress them. So some tips:
-wear full-coverage shoes, like sneakers. NOT flip flops.
-If you're under 5'5", bring a stool or something to stand on.
-Something to rake the papers to you would also be handy. I haven't decided what yet. A rake may damage them, and a picker-upper thingy may not work well (they don't have a strong grip).
-If you're out there in 89 degree weather at the peak of the day, BRING COLD WATER. and put your hair up.
-don't forget a box or bin to put your treasures in. i just used the box i brought the newspapers in that I recycled.

[latte]

good tips!!! i havent been dding for coupons yet.......i just cant seem to work it into my schedule to do it

[SouthernBelle5]

Our container is actually a small transfer truck backed up to stairs. I have gone many times but noone ever comes over to ask what I am doing (our recycle center is at the volunteer EMT center). I actually don't "rake" the papers but start halfway into the truck and fling the papers towards the back if I don't need them. (It actually helps b/c people want to put their stuff only at the front and the sign says to start from the back)

My DH sits in our car and LAUGHS and LAUGHS. He said watching me fling those papers is hilarious. If only he knew how much we saved by filtering out coupons. Sometimes whole inserts!!

[PeachySteph]

I found 42 whole inserts during my adventure yesterday as well as a hefty pile of random insert pages. I basically did the same thing... flung papers from the back to the front. (the pile's highest in the back).

[munchie81]

When dumpster diving through recycling bins do you go in the day time or at night so no one sees you.

[PeachySteph]

well, i honestly don't care if anyone sees me. But you also have to make sure you have permission or you could receive a hefty fine. consideriing the guy who lets me do it obviously works specific hours... I have to make sure to be there before 6pm.

[SouthernBelle5]

I usually go at 7:00. I don't want to go much later b/c the area is not well lit.