Dumpster Diving

Does anyone else do it?

Most of the time I'm going for an uncommon box shape I need for eBay shipping, but if I see a dumpster that's sporting some real goods I might take a look too.

Does anyone else do it?

Most of the time I'm going for an uncommon box shape I need for eBay shipping, but if I see a dumpster that's sporting some real goods I might take a look too.

Other things he might find useful in a dumpster:

Half eaten pizza - free dinner and a box comes with it.
Expired goods - besides, expiration dates are just suggestions. What do they know?
Trash bags - why pay for them if you don't have to?   

Picking dumpsters to "dive" is like picking an auction to go to or a locker to bid on.

If one is looking for boxes for shipping eBay items, the following are good choices in my area:

1) Shoe stores (shoe boxes come 8 to 12 to a larger box)

2) Tire stores (metal car wheels come in sturdy boxes and there will usually be 4 of a kind)

3) Furniture stores (good for all sizes...mirror boxes, etc)

These are just a few of the places where one can save money by NOT buying boxes in a store.

I've been dumpster diving at one particular dumpster now for about 5 years. It is at a Big Lots. I check it when I go to the bank. I have scored a lot in that dumpster! A $350.00 gazebo (missing 2 parts the company sent me for free.) We have used it for 3 summers now. Lots of small appliances and such ..paper shredders, radios, vacuums, a weed whacker, a fake fireplace(sold it for $150, it was in a cherry cabinet), a microwave, toys, one year I got about 60 rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, household decorations and much more! Overall I have made out well. Some things need minor repairs, a few things didn't work out... I haven't been able to go lately because I changed locations of my day job. I also own a resale store, so I was able to sell a lot there, and at yard sales. I love the thrill of finding stuff! I believe many of the stuff was returned for whatever reason and they just toss it. Anyways, that"s my dumpster diving experience!

Where I live we have a community trash bin area. I always find dressers, couches, chairs, kitchen tables, etc. In good shape too! Some antiques from time to time. That's about the extent of my dumpster diving.