What's the coolest thing you've found in the Dumpster?

[Robert A. Zeichner]

I do set limits for how far into a Dumpster I will go. This is usually as far as opening the door, looking inside and extracting only those items that are easily within my reach while standing outside. Occasionally I'll use an object within reach to get to an object out of reach. Anything covered with or sitting in slime is off limits.

So, this week in the office park where I work, I found a near mint Hardigg rotationally molded 24" x 16" x 18" polyethylene shipping case with 7 plated latches, two handles and a hinged, gasketed lid. Inside was a block of foam that was custom cut for some kind of instrument or delicate assembly. Without foam, approximately $300 new. Perfect for shipping the 8x10 Deardorff I just sold. I've noticed lately that with business closures and down-sizing, a lot of useful stuff is getting pitched because nobody wants to move it.

If my cell phone were modern enough to download ring tones, I would surely opt for the theme from Sanford & Son.

Anyone else find anything worthwhile lately?

[DJGainer]

For me, adjacent to refuse is refuse.

[paulr]

On top of a dumpster in brooklyn: a huge, beautifully printed Joel Peter Witkin book, and Ansel Adams' autobiography. Made a nice set!

[Mike1234]

Free CLEAN bubble wrap, peanuts, and large boxes from the days I did a LOT of feeBay sales... the dumpsters behind big reatil stores (NOT restaurants). I could easily collect $100-200 worth of packing supplies in 10-20 minutes.

[John Kasaian]

A friend got his Omega D-2 with all the goodies out of a University dumpster. So far I haven't found a bloody thing worth bringing home.

[Mark Sawyer]

So far I haven't found a bloody thing worth bringing home.

After I die, you may find my life's work in a dumpster. And you'll still be able to post that same quote...

[Mike1234]

LOL, Mark!!

[jnantz]

not me, but a friend found 33 typewriters in a university dumpster ..

[Eric Rose]

My first wife's engagement ring. It fell off her finger when taking out the trash from her jewelery store. As it turned out I should have chucked her in after it and keep on moving. Would have been way cheaper in the long run.

[Mike1234]

^^^ An all too common story...