Dumpster pigeons

Video: 88 pigeons found in dumpster at I-65 rest stop in White County

Content

To step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing to go dumpster pigeons
Part 2 of 4: Ensuring a successful search
Part 3 of 4: Searching garbage containers for food
Part 4 of 4: Working safely and hygienically
Tips
Warnings
Necessities

What is waste for one person, another considers valuable. Some people find dumpster diving or skipping, or searching through garbage containers for usable items, to be a weird activity, but it is an excellent way to make sure that items that are still in good shape are not thrown away. Dumpster diving doesn't require any special skills or equipment, but it's a good idea to be aware of the risks and learn the best way to get dumpster pigeons without getting sick or getting into legal trouble. Whether you're looking for furniture for your home, stocking your fridge, or making money from trash, learning the ins and outs of dumpster diving can make your quests more rewarding.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Preparing to go dumpster pigeons

Find out what the rules for dumpster pigeons are in your municipality. Before diving into a waste bin, it is a good idea to check the rules that apply in your municipality regarding the removal of waste from public waste containers. You can find these rules in the General Local Regulation (APV). In some municipalities you can also apply for a so-called Morgenster permit, which allows you to legally search trash cans. Garbage that is in a public place is usually not seen as private property, so you are unlikely to be accused of theft. However, as a dumpster diver you can be charged with attempted burglary or theft if you remove waste from a container on private property. Wherever you go dumpster diving, the most important thing is that you are not a burden to anyone, whether that be the company who owns the dumpster or the local residents.
- People generally disapprove of dumpster pigeons, even in places where it is allowed and the people in question have a permit.
- Be warned if an area is fenced in with a locked gate and there are signs such as "Forbidden Area" or "Private Area". It can be seen as an attempted burglary if you have to climb over a fence or force a lock to enter an area. It is wise to stay away from places that are closely monitored.
Check which waste containers are in your area. As most people know, there are usually waste containers at large companies, but you can expand your search area by also looking in residential areas, schools, churches and public places such as parks and beaches. To avoid being seen, look for waste containers that are out of sight.
- See which days the bins you have in mind are being emptied so you have the chance to search them before they are emptied.
- Plan to go dumpster pigeons early in the morning or evening when most people are busy.
Know what items to look for. Garbage containers in public places often hold a lot of treasures just waiting to be found. Experienced dumpster divers have found designer clothing, valuable scrap metal scrap and even expensive but obsolete electronics in the garbage containers of luxury stores. If you have a rough idea of what to find and where to find it, you can search more precisely.
- If you are looking for certain things, the smartest thing to do is to look at the source. For example, you have a much higher chance of finding unused cosmetics in the trash can of a beauty supply store, or of finding small electronics in the trash can of an office supply store.
- Keep an eye out for old, unwanted furniture and appliances near residential garbage containers.
Prepare yourself mentally. It's not always easy to climb into a warm, smelly garbage container, as most people have an aversion to things they find dirty, such as trash. It can help to briefly prepare yourself mentally before you hit the road. Remind yourself why you are going to do this and remember that you are helping to reduce the amount of unnecessary waste.
- Dumpster pigeons can be a dirty job. It may not be the best time to use if you are scared or have a weak stomach.

Part 2 of 4: Ensuring a successful search

Dress appropriately. Chances are, the clothes you wear will get dirty and tear, so wear old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Wearing comfortable clothes will allow you to move freely, which can be helpful when climbing and avoiding other obstacles. It's also a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes or thick-soled boots to protect your feet from sharp, protruding edges.
- Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt so you don't come into contact with dirty mess.
- If you really want to climb into the dumpster, wear sturdy fabrics like denim, nylon or leather and cover your body as much as possible.
- Before climbing into the garbage container, remove any accessories you don't want to lose.
Bring other useful items. Feel free to bring anything you think might be useful, such as thick gloves or a small stool or a crate to use as a step to climb into the container. If you are going dumpster diving at night, bring a flashlight or headlamp so that you can see more easily. Do not forget to bring a large box or bag to store the found items.
- A sturdy canvas laundry bag is an excellent way to take home the things you have found.
- Use a long stick to root through the waste until you see something useful. If you're careful enough, you may not need to climb into the garbage container at all.
- You may also need a flashlight during the day if the waste container is particularly deep or in the shade.
Only take the items you think you can use. You may be tempted to bring anything that may be worth something. However, it is best to only grab the things you really need. Otherwise, you'll just collect useless stuff that you end up throwing back in the bin.
- Organize the items you find into a few separate categories: things you can use, things other people might use, and things you can sell.
- If you don't find anything worth taking with you, take your loss and move on to the next spot.
Be careful. As mentioned, many people disapprove of Dumpster pigeons. If you don't pay attention, you may be surprised by passers-by, business owners or even the police. Always keep an eye on the area, or have a friend or other dumpster diver do this so that he or she can signal you when someone is coming.
- Spend as little time on the spot as possible. Climb into the garbage can, get the stuff and leave.
- Prepare to stop your search at any time.
Don't leave a mess. If you took items out of the container during your search, make sure to put it back in before you leave. While you're at it, look for other waste nearby that you can throw away. Try to leave the area as clean or even cleaner than it used to be.
- If you leave traces that indicate someone has been there, you are more likely to be caught red-handed the next time you visit.
- The goal is to be thrifty, not to destroy things. Don't give dumpster diving a bad name.

Part 3 of 4: Searching garbage containers for food

Go to places where food can be found. If you're going to dump star pigeons with the goal of stocking your pantry, knowing where to go to find foods that you can still eat that don't pose any obvious health risks is helpful. You can almost always find something edible in garbage containers that are behind restaurants and supermarkets. Cafes and bakeries are another good resource because at the end of the day, they have to throw out any freshly prepared foods that haven't been sold. Often these foods are not old enough to be spoiled.
- A good rule of thumb is to start your search in a place that sells the type of food you are looking for.
- Dumpster diving at popular shops and restaurants is best done at night when you are less likely to be seen.
Look for packaged foods first. Things packed in boxes, jars and other packaging often last longer than fresh foods because they are not exposed to airborne bacteria. You should always grab these types of foods first when looking for food. Look for foods that are still in an airtight container, such as canned tuna and individually wrapped granola bars.
- Do not pack items that have not been packaged or that have been unpacked.
- Dried and canned foods (such as uncooked rice, oatmeal, and pasta) typically keep for several months beyond the expiration date.
Eat food that has passed its expiration date immediately. You may still be able to safely eat a bag of soft avocados or a jar of mayonnaise, but you should use both as soon as possible. You can extend the use of various edible foods that are nearing or just past their expiration dates by using them in other foods. A bunch of brown bananas does not taste very good on its own, but you can make a great banana bread or a fruit smoothie.
- Cook as many of the foods you have found as possible. This will kill any harmful bacteria that start to grow when the food goes bad. You may also remove stale and unpleasant flavors.
- Most fruits and vegetables can be canned and preserved or used to make jam, which makes them last a lot longer.
Do not bring any foods that you are unsure of whether they are still good. This should go without saying, but use common sense. If you come across food that is clearly rotten or smelly, don't eat it. Most of all meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables that have ended up in the waste container fall into this category. They are alluring, but perishable foods spoil first. You are better off looking for foods that hold up well under different conditions and using common sense.
- If you do decide to bring something with you, check the food again for mold and rot, and know what health risks there are.
- Never eat frozen or refrigerated foods that have been thawed and heated to room temperature. This can make you very sick.

Part 4 of 4: Working safely and hygienically

Use caution when searching garbage containers. You never know what's waiting for you at the bottom of a garbage container. Shards of glass, rotting food, hazardous materials and other types of waste can all harm your health and / or cause injury. Proceed slowly and carefully while looking through unfamiliar waste, especially if you have trouble seeing what is there.
- Support the lid of the garbage can or have a friend do this for you so you can do your job unhindered.
Watch for pests. Garbage containers sometimes contain mice, rats and other scavengers. These animals can attack you if you startle them or if they feel threatened. Take a quick look at the dumpster before climbing in to avoid being surprised by a potentially dangerous animal. Hitting the outside of the container can also scare away unwanted company.
- If there are animals in the container that you want to search, the safest option is to just move to the next spot.
- Rodents such as rats are known for carrying diseases that can be fatal to humans. So always stay away from these animals.
Take a shower immediately afterwards. As soon as you get home, take a shower to wash away dirt particles and germs that you got on you during your search. Wash with hot water and antibacterial soap and don't forget to use shampoo. Pay particular attention to areas that are often skipped, such as the inside of your ears and the cracks under your fingernails.
- Prolonged or unprotected exposure to garbage can cause a variety of health problems.
- Contrary to popular belief, dumpster divers find good personal hygiene very important - even more important than other people.
Thoroughly clean any found items. Soak items other than electronics in warm water and a strong disinfectant to kill bacteria and remove mold and other debris. Rinse good foods such as fruits and vegetables and packaged snacks with clean water, store them properly or cook them and eat them immediately. After a good cleaning, most of the items found look like new again.
- Clean electronics with a dish cloth and alcohol or mild liquid dish soap.
- You need to be particularly careful with foods as it can be dangerous to eat something that is spoiled or contaminated.

Tips

Network with other dumpster divers to find out the best spots, organize joint quests and take turns keeping watch.
Valuable items such as jewelry and household appliances that still work well can be cleaned and sold to second-hand stores.
Have a credible reason if you get caught. For example, you accidentally dropped your phone or you are looking for boxes that you can use when you move.
Before climbing into a garbage container, check that it does not contain scavengers, such as mice and rats. You can chase them away by hitting the side of the container.
Wear a breathing mask or a handkerchief in front of your face to avoid smelling bad odors.
Hold on. You may have to go to a number of different places to find something worthwhile.
Check your clothes before you go home. Some insects, such as cockroaches, remain on your body until they have found a new place to live.
Know the opening hours of stores in your area, how busy the traffic is, what days the garbage is collected and when the police are patrolling. Even at 2 AM, certain places can be busier than others.

Warnings

There is a reason why waste is thrown away. Every time you come into contact with waste you run the risk of getting sick or injured.
If you are stopped by the police, don't try to run. Chances are you will get caught, and even if you manage to escape, it will be a lot harder to get dumpster diving next time. Always be polite, tell the truth, and cooperate when dealing with the police.
If you get cuts or scrapes while searching through a dumpster, treat them right away with an antiseptic to prevent them from becoming infected.
Never eat foods that smell bad and show signs of mold and rot.