New to dumpster diving- my lessons learned

[u/Consistent-Offer-989]

I saw everyone’s posts about going to JT Less yesterday- just so happens I needed to make a return there today and thought I’d take a quick peek. I got all of this stuff around noon today (Saturday) and did not bring any equipment with me as it was an impulse decision I made while in the check-out line. I’ve only DD’d a couple of other times with little luck in other stores and am hoping to learn more and go more often when I have the time and more proper equipment. This is my haul from today (only spent about 5 minutes there).

After sanitizing everything, and sorting out things that are broken, I am left with: A working mug and mug warmer (said NOT working on the box- guess what babe it works great ☺️) An essential oil diffuser A tension shower curtain rod A nice white nightstand/side table (a few minor blemishes and the bottom comes off of the pegs, but will be good as new with some wood glue) Lazy Susan and ramekin set A nice wooden cutting board One really cute glass mug (set of 2- one was broken) 3 new glass storage canisters (set of 4- one was broken) 1 really cute bowl (set of 3, 2 broken) Christmas tree shaped glass honey jar (says it has the stir rod but it is missing) 2 garden art angels, minor blemishes/cracks Brand new 10-ft long USB-C cord Shiatsu Deep Tissue Vibration Foot Massager (box has a little ding) Christmas Themed Sugar and creamer set (the top of the sugar canister is missing) Small trampoline in the box 2 dog treat makers (not pictured) Small lamp (haven’t seen if it works yet)

I am astounded and what these big stores will just throw away. I know none of these things are essentials for people but it just shows that consumerism runs rampant in this country with no regard for the environmental toll it takes. I bet there were tons of other cool things I left behind there, however it was getting pretty dangerous because the more I dug the more glass and ceramic items I found that were broken. I cut myself a small bit on my thumb, washed it off really well and put neosporin/bandaid on it when I got home. My coat and my car all have a faint but unmistakable smell of buttered croissants from my adventure now 🤷‍♀️

Be prepared Bring your safety equipment (like I foolishly didn’t) to minimize injury and sickness Down with big companies

[u/gooberdaisy]

My dad used to dumpster dive all the time I always thought it was a disgusting thing to do (granted he would grab things that were worthless) but one time he saved about 6 old school typewriters and I still have them today. Just wish my anxiety with germs and police not hinder me to try 😅

[u/hundredsandthousand → u/gooberdaisy]

Same here haha. I also worked in a shop once and think about the stuff that we threw away and how some of it might look totally fine but there were reasons we binned it. Like one time I found maggots all over a slab of tuna cans.