Dumpster Diving in Vancouver

Dumpster Diving in Vancouver

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Dumpster diving is scavenging through bins and waste containers to find treasure, food, or other items of value. It has a small but dedicated following in Vancouver, with communities of ‘dumpster divers’ who regularly scope out their favourite spots in hopes of striking it rich on discarded gems.

Dumpster diving would not happen if not for the vast quantities of still-useful items thrown away daily by consumers, businesses, schools, and other facilities. Some see opportunity in our wastefulness and make a hobby from what gets tossed. The things found dumpster diving in Vancouver range from perfectly edible food to pieces of furniture, popular tech items, and designer clothing with the tags still on. 

To many outsiders, the idea of rummaging through trash may seem distasteful. Yet dumpster divers are focused on uncovering value where most do not think to look. Some do it from a place of principle – to reduce waste, minimize their impact, and live more sustainably. Others enjoy the thrill of discovery and the ability to furnish their home or pantry at extremely low cost. There is a sense of community in the dumpster diving scene in Vancouver, which primarily operates under cover of night and connects online to share prime spots, hauls, and tips.

While some view it as taboo, dumpster diving challenges norms around ownership and waste while spreading the use and enjoyment of resources. These eco-scavengers prove that our trash can contain treasure for those looking. For many in Vancouver, dumpster diving is a hobby, lifestyle, and even philosophy around consumption. 

Dumpster diving may not be for everyone, but it provides an alternative approach to reusing the seemingly disposable abundance around us. This guide will explore how to practice dumpster diving safely, legally, and ethically in Vancouver.

Is Dumpster Diving Legal in Vancouver?

The legality of dumpster diving is a grey area in Vancouver. There are no laws that explicitly ban dumpster diving. However, there are some legal considerations to keep in mind:

  • Trespassing – Dumpsters are often located on private property, so diving in them could be considered trespassing. If a dumpster is against a building or behind a gated area, it’s best to avoid it unless you have explicit permission from the property owner. Stick to dumpsters on public property or easily accessible without trespassing on private property.
  • Privacy – There are no Vancouver laws against going through the trash that has been discarded. However, privacy laws do exist. Avoid dumpsters marked confidential, contain medical waste, or contain personal documents. Stick to dumpsters of businesses and retail stores to be safe.
  • Making a mess – Littering or leaving a mess while dumpster diving is illegal. Be sure to leave the area cleaner than you found it.
  • Police – Police in Vancouver generally tolerate dumpster divers as long as they are safe, discreet, and do not make a mess. However, police may stop and question you if they receive a complaint or see anything unsafe happening. Be polite if approached and comply with any requests to leave private property.

Most experienced Vancouver divers report having positive or neutral encounters with police when driving responsibly. However, be aware that individual officers may interpret laws differently. To avoid issues, it’s best to dumpster dive in groups of 2-3 at night when businesses are closed and leave quickly and neatly without trespassing on private property. With some common sense and courtesy, dumpster diving can be done legally in Vancouver. But be prepared to move along if asked by property owners or police.

Best Places For Dumpster Diving in Vancouver

Some of Vancouver’s best places to dumpster diving are behind grocery stores, shopping malls, and university campuses. 

Grocery Store Dumpsters

Grocery store dumpsters can be a treasure trove for dumpster divers. Produce, baked goods, and packaged foods are often thrown out while still fresh and edible. Some popular grocery store dumpsters to check in Vancouver include:

  • Save-On-Foods – Especially the bakery dumpsters. Many branches toss excess baked goods daily.
  • No Frills – Great for producing and packaging goods. Check dumpsters in the back alley. 
  • Whole Foods – Lots of organic and specialty foods get tossed. Focus on prepared foods and produce sections.
  • Costco – Huge amounts of food and goods rotate through Costco. Check for tossed bulk items. 

The key is to go at night after closing when new stock is put out, and old product is discarded. Always check the expiration and best-before dates, and never take unsafe food.

Shopping Mall Dumpsters 

Shopping mall dumpsters can yield clothing, electronics, furniture, and more. Some malls to check include:

  • Metropolis at Metrotown – Vancouver’s most prominent mall has many store dumpsters. Check department stores for apparel and home goods.
  • Oakridge Centre – High-end fashion and department stores toss pricey items. 
  • Park Royal – Another mecca for divers. Check Zara, H&M, and even Apple.
  • Pacific Centre – In the heart of downtown with pricier brand stores. There is a higher chance of perfectly good goods being discarded.

Go at night when stores are closed. Be respectful and leave no trace when scavenging.

University Campus Dumpsters

University campuses often throw out loads of perfectly usable items when students move out. Good spots include: 

  • UBC – One of the best spots in Van. Check residence buildings right after move-out days. 
  • SFU – Also an excellent source of furnishings, electronics, and more. Time dives for the end of semesters.
  • BCIT – Smaller campus but still potential for finds. Check technical equipment and lab waste.

Schedule dives for move-out week when students discard tons of goods. Take only what you will use and leave the area tidy.

What to Expect Dumpster Diving in Vancouver

Dumpster diving in Vancouver can yield all kinds of surprising finds. With its high number of stores, restaurants, offices, and other facilities, the dumpsters are overflowing with usable goods. Here’s an overview of what people typically find:

  • Food items: Discarded food from grocery stores, restaurants, caterers, and more. This includes fresh produce, baked goods, packaged items, and prepared meals. Food is often still sealed; refrigerated items may be salvageable.
  • Furniture and home goods: Furniture that is lightly used or has minor flaws. This includes chairs, tables, shelves, and more. Also found are lamps, rugs, curtains, kitchenware, small appliances in working order, and various home decor.
  • Clothes and shoes: Lightly worn or new with tags, clothes and footwear. Fast fashion brands and high-end designers are common dumpster finds. Great for outfitting yourself or reselling. 
  • Books and media: New books, CDs, DVDs, video games, and records. Items are usually discarded when a store overstocks or needs to clear shelf space. Media is often still shrink-wrapped. 
  • Office supplies: Pens, paper, folders, binders, keyboards, and unused office items. Often discarded in large quantities when businesses do inventory.
  • Personal items: Wallets with cash and cards, jewellery, bags, luggage, sporting goods, tools, and electronics in working condition. Likely lost items or discarded upgrades.
  • The most valuable finds: Game consoles, luxury purses, rare collectables, vintage items, expensive electronics, and winning lottery scratch tickets have been found. With some luck, the right dumpster can yield jackpot-level goods.

The condition of items varies, but most are lightly used or even new and unused. Department store dumpsters in affluent areas of Vancouver yield the best finds. Some cleaning and minor repairs can return many items to like-new condition. With an exploratory approach, dumpster divers are often amazed at what gets thrown away.

Ideal Times for Dumpster Diving 

When it comes to dumpster diving, timing is everything. You want to go when the dumpsters are complete before the trash is collected. This generally means hitting up dumpsters at night after stores close or early in the morning before the garbage trucks come. 

Nighttime

The ideal time for nighttime dumpster diving is between 9 pm and midnight when most businesses have closed up shop. Malls, strip malls, grocery stores, and big box stores take out their trash at closing time so their dumpsters will be full by 9 or 10 pm. The cover of darkness also helps to stay inconspicuous while diving. Just be aware that some stores compact or lock their dumpsters at night.

Early Morning

If you can get up at the crack of dawn, early morning (5-7 am) is also prime dumpster diving time. Many stores put their trash out first thing in the morning before opening. This gives you 1-2 hours to rummage through their dumpsters before they unlock their doors. Early morning offers the advantage of natural light to see clearly, but some dumpsters do get emptied by garbage trucks starting as early as 7 am.

Waste Collection Schedule

Get familiar with the trash pick-up schedule for the dumpsters you frequent. Dumpsters are toasted right before their scheduled collection, then get emptied and are sparse until they refill. Mark your calendar with the waste collection days for your favourite dumpsters to optimize your diving schedule.

Store Closing Times

Scope out closing times for the stores you want to hit. Grocery stores, retail shops, restaurants, cafes, and other businesses have varying hours. Plan your dumpster run accordingly – a late-night bakery will have fresh goods tossed at the end of the day, while an early-morning coffee shop will put their pastries out first thing. 

With some planning around closing times, collection days, and the cover of darkness, you can pinpoint the prime times to go dumpster diving in Vancouver. Be flexible and ready to adapt if stores change their routines or locking/compacting practices. You can ensure safe, fruitful, and legal diving with the right timing.

Non-Food Finds

Dumpster diving in Vancouver can turn up all sorts of unexpected treasures besides discarded food. Many divers seek out electronics, furniture, clothes, and other goods that have been thrown out but can be restored, repurposed or resold.

Electronics

Electronics are one category with massive potential for dumpster finds. Stores frequently toss out returned, damaged, or outdated electronics that may need minor repairs. Game systems, laptops, TVs, computer parts, and small appliances are common electronics discovered while dumpster diving. With some technical know-how, many electronics can be fixed and restored to complete working condition. At a minimum, they can be disassembled for valuable parts.

Furniture 

Quality furniture is another popular target for dumpster divers. Some divers even furnish entire apartments with free curbside and dumpster furniture! Couches, chairs, tables, cabinets, shelves, and more can occasionally be discarded outside homes or behind businesses. While furniture is often bulkier and heavier to retrieve, a tremendous free find can be worth hauling it home and repairing any defects.

Clothes

Clothing and shoes in good condition are abundant in Vancouver dumpsters, especially behind retailers. Stores frequently dispose of returns, last season’s inventory, or items with minor flaws. Designer brands often end up in dumpsters as well. Remedied garments can be given a second life with some cleaning or mending. Brand-name clothes can even be resold. 

Other Treasures

Beyond electronics, furniture, and apparel, all kinds of unexpected treasures can emerge from dumpsters. Divers may luck out and find musical instruments, camping gear, sports equipment, tools, books, art, decor, pet supplies, and more. One person’s trash can indeed be another’s treasure when dumpster diving. You never know what surprising finds might await in Vancouver’s dumpsters!

Getting Started as a Dumpster Diver

Getting started with dumpster diving requires some preparation. Here are some tips for your first dumpster dives:

Gather Equipment 

  • Sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting dirty
  • Gloves to protect your hands
  • Flashlight for night dives
  • Backpack or bags to hold your finds
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes  
  • A dumpster diving partner for safety

Find a Diving Buddy

Having someone join you on your first dumpster dives can be helpful. A buddy can look out, help sort through trash, and watch your back. Try recruiting an experienced dumpster diving friend or find a partner on local social media groups. There are safety benefits to diving with others.

Scout Locations in the Daytime

Before diving at night, scope out potential dumpsters during the day. Look for dumpsters that are easily accessible without trespassing. Grocery stores, pharmacies, office buildings, and strip malls are good places to start. Note when trash pick-up happens so you know when to return at night when stores are closed.

Going on scouting missions during the day will allow you to find promising dumpster locations before your first dives. It’s also helpful for finding your way around in the dark once you start diving at night. Take notes on potential dumpsters and schedule trash pick-up times.

Advanced Dumpster Diving Tips and Tricks

For seasoned dumpster divers, having the right tools and supplies can make all the difference in finding treasure versus trash. Here are some pro tips for taking your dives to the next level:

Tools 

  • Bring a sturdy grabber tool to pick up items and reach deep into dumpsters safely. Metal ones with rubber grips work best.
  • Headlamps or flashlights help safely navigate dives at night.  
  • Keep a multi-tool on hand for opening boxes and bags.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects. Focus on grip, dexterity, and durability.
  • Knee pads make kneeling on pavement more comfortable when sorting through piles. 
  • Consider boot spikes for traction if climbing into tall dumpsters.

Storage

  • Sort finds into sealable bins or storage containers by type for easier access later. 
  • Use shelves and racks to organize storage areas neatly. Label bins.
  • Clean and sanitize containers before storing food items.
  • Keep an inventory list of container contents for quick reference.
  • Prevent cross-contamination by designating specific containers for non-food items only.
  • Set aside a dedicated freezer for any recovered frozen goods.  

Cleaning Supplies

  • Have scrub brushes, sponges, and cleaning agents to wash reusable items thoroughly.
  • Use rubber gloves when cleaning dumpster goods. 
  • Sanitizing wipes are useful for giving items a quick disinfecting wipe-down.  
  • Fill a spray bottle with a bleach cleaning solution for sanitizing smooth surfaces.
  • Baking soda and vinegar make inexpensive, effective cleaning solutions.
  • An ultrasonic cleaner can deeply clean jewellery, glasses, watches, and other small items.

Organizing Finds 

  • Set up space for sorting, cleaning and storing your dumpster treasures.
  • Designate racks or shelving for items to be cleaned before putting into rotation. 
  • Use labelled bins sorted by type: electronics, books, clothing, decor, etc.
  • Hang storage hooks on the wall for smaller items or things that need air drying.  
  • Keep an inventory list and cross off items as they get cleaned and put away.
  • Hold periodic yard sales to rehome quality finds you won’t use.

With the right setup and supplies, your dumpster diving endeavours will be far more efficient, effective, and sanitary. Like any hobby, having quality tools and organization makes a big difference.

Notable Vancouver Dumpster Finds

Dumpster diving in Vancouver can turn up all sorts of unexpected treasures. Here are some of the most interesting and valuable discoveries by local divers:

  • A brand new unopened iPhone still in the original packaging. The phone retailed for over $1000, but was found tossed in the dumpster behind an electronics store. After charging it, the phone worked perfectly.  
  • High-end makeup and skincare products worth hundreds of dollars. A diver hit the jackpot finding a big bag of discontinued L’Oreal, Maybelline, and Revlon products ditched by a pharmacy. Much of the makeup was unopened and unused.
  • Expensive DSLR camera equipment. A photography enthusiast scored 2 high-end Canon lenses, filters, batteries and memory cards that were thrown out by a camera shop. The gear was worth well over $2000.
  • Unopened Lego sets. A toy store employee was caught tossing brand new sealed Lego sets into the dumpster. Divers grabbed a haul of Lego kits worth $500.
  • Brand new Canada Goose jackets with tags still attached. A clothing retailer discarded these pricey jackets instead of donating them. Dumpster divers found 3 parkas valued at around $1000 each.
  • 70 inch flatscreen TV. A diver spotted the huge TV sitting neatly near a dumpster behind an electronics shop. After testing it, the TV had no issues.
  • 100 pounds of fresh gourmet chocolate. A local chocolatier dumped large boxes filled with their artisan truffles, bars, and bonbons due to slight packaging damage. The chocolate tasted delicious.
  • Rare vintage concert t-shirts from the 80s. A collector scored shirts featuring bands like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses, and more tossed out by a vintage clothing shop. 
  • Unopened packs of trading cards, including vintage 90s Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering cards. Game stores frequently discard unsold trading card inventory.

With a little luck and persistence, dumpster diving in Vancouver can yield incredible treasures. These remarkable finds demonstrate that one person’s trash can indeed be another’s treasure.

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