Chicken Farrier

Dumpster Diving #2: Gearing Up

So, You Want to Start Dumpster Diving

First, you need to know what gear you should bring! Now, if you just want to peak into a dumpster and grab the top box in nice weather, you don't need any special equipment, but this kind of dumpster diving is not going to get you very far. You aught to start gathering dedicated gear so that you can dive while staying safe and efficient.

Some things to think about while you're building your toolkit. First, you don't need to spend much money on your gear! In fact, you shouldn't spend much money on your equipment, because dumpster diving is primarily a money saving activity. I would recommend using your old stuff first, then trying to find it in a dumpster, and then see if you can get it second hand. You should buy things new as a very last resort, and in this case you should at least get a good deal on it.

Another thing to think about is what you want to achieve and avoid with your gear. You want your gear to keep you safe, keep you nondescript, and make your dive quick and easy. You don't want your gear to make you attract attention, or make you look dangerous. Leave the battle jacket at home, and don't wear a mask! This is important for two reasons: 1. Ideally, you don't want to be identified after the fact and 2., much more importantly, you don't want the cops called on you, and if you have to interact with them, you don't want them thinking you're some kind of criminal. (Or worse, they might think you're some kinda free-thinking faggot hippie! Cops hate those.)

High Priority Gear

Gloves!

You need gloves, this is non-negotiable. Leather work gloves work best, try to avoid mitten with chunky knits, but any kind of glove that's somewhat durable will work. This is to protect you from all the nasty and dangerous things in a dumpster. Bacteria, disease, cuts, scrapes, punctures, bruises, exposure to hazardous substances, to name a few things, can all be heavily mitigated with gloves. This is extra-extra important in cold climates, because your skin will stick to the dumpsters if it drops below freezing. Not at all a fun experience.

Boots/Shoes

Don't go diving free toed, under any circumstances. Glass is the biggest enemy of even protected divers, so shoes are essential. "Hiking" style boots are what I use, because they're what I have, but you can use any kind of work or combat boot. Running shoes and tennis shoes are fine, but they won't be as protective as proper boots, especially when climbing into dumpsters. Also, I would not recommend wearing any nice leather boots like Solovairs or Docs, they will still protect you, but they will get dirty and damaged more quickly.

Long-Sleeved Shirt, Pants

Even if you live in a warm place, just dive at night when it cools off, there's no excuse for jumping in a dumpster with a tank-top and gym shorts. Denim is a good material for these kinds of clothes, but just try to make sure whatever fabric you're wearing feels stiff and has a bit of weight. Thick hoodies will keep you safe, but they tend to stain easy, and most don't repel any mystery liquids you might find in the trash. It's important that you just look like an average Joe, don't try to make a statement while you're rifling through trash at night.

Good to Have

Diving Stick

This is something you can use to poke, prod, and move things with when you don't wanna grab it, or it's just a little too far away. This can be a hiking stick, one of those "grabber" things, a cane, a broom handle, some manufactured implement, etc. I'm partial towards a piece of scrap wood with a nail in it, although sometimes I worry it makes me look more "deranged psycho" than I would like. Like I said before, keep in mind that you don't want to look out of place or like you're a threat with this. Also, try painting it black, especially the metal bits.

Flashlight

This one is necessary if you're diving at night. Most flashlight will work, but try to find one decently high-powered. Phone flashlights are rarely good, and cheap ones die out pretty quick. If you can get your hands on a headlamp, do it, having two hands free can be a lifesaver. Also, don't try using a lighter/matches as a light source, you could accidentally start a dumpster fire or be mistaken for an arsonist. Frankly, your natural night vision is better without the extra light.

Step Stool

This is one of those "must haves" for me because I'm pretty short, but even tall folks can get stuck in dumpsters! Take this in whenever you climb into a dumpster, if you get stuck, you don't want to have to balance on a stack of old Bud Light bottles to escape.

Sturdy Bag/Vehicle

You need some way to get your loot home! Again, try not to look like a burglar with your bag, stick to book bags, tote bags, old backpacks, and small duffel bags. If you're using a vehicle, keep in mind it's much easier to identify you after the fact with it, so be extra careful (or, park it away from wherever you're diving).

Helpful, but not Necessary

A Friend!

I personally get spooked easy when I'm diving in a dark and largely deserted place, company makes it so much more fun! Getting out there and doing something adventurous with a friend is a great way to bond and make good memories, speaking from personal experience. Plus, from a purely utilitarian approach two brain-body sets are better than one, you can look out for each other and make sorting through each dumpster twice as fast. This is especially good if you're a part of a marginalized or easily victimized group, dumpster divers are rarely attacked, but this at least gives you a good amount of extra safety.

Diving Knife/Knives

This is the sort of thing that an officer might consider a "concealed weapon" so be careful, and know your local laws. I would suggest having one small, very sharp knife to cut open bags. Just make sure you're not making a mess. Also, it's nice to have one heavy-duty utility knife to separate the useful from the useless. I know of people who cut the cords off of old electronics to sell the copper, and people who cut the leather off of old couches and reuse it or sell it to crafters. Might be a little more "scavenger"-ey than you like, but always consider it.

Hand Sanitizer

Depends on how germophobic you are, but it's generally a good idea to take this with you. All sorts of nasty things in dumpsters, including potentially life-threatening diseases! Remember, though, hand sanitizer just kills the various little microorganisms on your hand, you need to wash them off, or it'll just get worse. Plus, no amount of hand sanitizer will take engine oil off your skin.

Sturdy disposable bags

I use plastic trash bags and old shopping bags. These will help keep things separate, organized, and secure in your bag. You hardly want broccoli juicy leaking all over your paperbacks.

Conclusion

This is a nowhere near exhaustive list, and I've heard of people who have whole arsenals in their trucks for picking through dumpsters. This is simply what I tend to use, and what I think the non-professional dumpster diver would benefit from. I've included the list at the bottom so you might copy and paste it into your notes app to remember.

High Priority/Mandatory

#dumpster-diving