Zannee’s Blog at BargainsLA.com

Yes! I am guilty of dumpster diving. I learned it from the best… my mom. I am snobby about the location, but I have sifted through trash when it looked like someone was moving or clearing stuff out.

Sounds a bit gross, but the truth is that dumpster diving is ecofriendly. You’re finding usable goods and can recycle or reuse them and keep this stuff out of land fills. Even if you personally, may not need it, there are others who may appreciate it.

Treasures discovered in dumpsters and trash cans over the years have been a 1940’s mahogany secretary, 6 new in box, 8-track players for cars, a 1930’s wrought iron patio set, a wicker arm chair and my newest find a brand new in mint condition steno chair for my office.

The reason I mention Dumpster Diving is that Salvation Army, St Vincent De Paul and Goodwill are getting so much donated stuff they are getting really picky about what they take and a lot of good items are being put out with the trash. When I was clearing out my moms place, I had to leave a walnut bookcase, a portable working dishwasher and two metal café tables in the back alley.

My top neighborhood for trash picking / dumpster diving is Beverly Hills. Here you can find gems. Junk companies regularly patrol the area for discarded goods. I have also trash picked in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Chatsworth, Tarzana and Sherman Oaks/ Studio City. I have been told that the downtown garment area is interesting, but I haven’t gone.

I don’t do it very often, but if I am driving down an alley and see something… I stop. So when you’re stuck in street traffic a cruise down a side alley may not only save you time but it may yield a couple of discarded treasures.