Dumpster diving proves environmental, practical
Sarah Scott
Issue date: 5/1/08 Section: TruLife
Free stuff is just a garbage can away.
Some Kirksville residents take advantage of what other people don't want by dumpster diving, or rifling through dumpsters for a wide range of items, including construction and art materials, food and furniture.
Junior Hannah Hemmelgarn is a self-professed dumpster diver.
"Usually I just kind of happen upon things, like I'll be out walking or biking and I'll realize that someone's thrown away something that could be valuable to me," Hemmelgarn said.
Hemmelgarn said her main reasons for dumpster diving are environmental and practical. She said dumpster diving is another way to recycle items that other people don't want anymore.
"I don't spend money on stuff because I find it [dumpster diving]," Hemmelgarn said. "Other people spend money on stuff, and I profit from that."
Hemmelgarn also said dumpster diving is more than just a way to find stuff she wants or needs.
"It's kind of a hobby, too, you know," Hemmelgarn said. "Once you realize how much good stuff there is, it's like a garage sale all over the place, and it's free."
Hemmelgarn said one of her best finds was a set of chairs that her dad fixed up after she pulled them from the trash.
She said she tends to have the best finds at wealthier houses because the people living there tend to be more wasteful. She also said spring is one of the best times for dumpster diving because people are cleaning out their homes.
Hemmelgarn said she does not dumpster dive for food because of the health risks.
"It can be really messy and dangerous, I would say, which is why I don't do the food route," Hemmelgarn said. "You really have to be careful washing everything off, and there can be raw meat spilled everywhere, and glass, and that can be pretty nasty."
Hemmelgarn said that if money is tight, dumpster diving can be a great way to cut back on food costs.
Senior Sam Pounders said people should make their own judgement calls when it comes to dumpster diving for food.
Some Kirksville residents take advantage of what other people don't want by dumpster diving, or rifling through dumpsters for a wide range of items, including construction and art materials, food and furniture.
Junior Hannah Hemmelgarn is a self-professed dumpster diver.
"Usually I just kind of happen upon things, like I'll be out walking or biking and I'll realize that someone's thrown away something that could be valuable to me," Hemmelgarn said.
Hemmelgarn said her main reasons for dumpster diving are environmental and practical. She said dumpster diving is another way to recycle items that other people don't want anymore.
"I don't spend money on stuff because I find it [dumpster diving]," Hemmelgarn said. "Other people spend money on stuff, and I profit from that."
Hemmelgarn also said dumpster diving is more than just a way to find stuff she wants or needs.
"It's kind of a hobby, too, you know," Hemmelgarn said. "Once you realize how much good stuff there is, it's like a garage sale all over the place, and it's free."
Hemmelgarn said one of her best finds was a set of chairs that her dad fixed up after she pulled them from the trash.
She said she tends to have the best finds at wealthier houses because the people living there tend to be more wasteful. She also said spring is one of the best times for dumpster diving because people are cleaning out their homes.
Hemmelgarn said she does not dumpster dive for food because of the health risks.
"It can be really messy and dangerous, I would say, which is why I don't do the food route," Hemmelgarn said. "You really have to be careful washing everything off, and there can be raw meat spilled everywhere, and glass, and that can be pretty nasty."
Hemmelgarn said that if money is tight, dumpster diving can be a great way to cut back on food costs.
Senior Sam Pounders said people should make their own judgement calls when it comes to dumpster diving for food.
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