Dumpster Diving

Posted by Shelley Elmblad Oct 22, 2007

For those who are unfamiliar with the term "dumpster diving", this refers to the activity of going through someone else's trash to retrieve items that are still perfectly usable or that require a minor repair that you can do yourself. Many people engage in dumpster diving while living a frugal lifestyle.

Most Germans who dumpster dive have adequate income to buy what they need or want, but they see no point in buying something new when you can get it for free (makes sense to me!). The German culture does not reinforce paying full price for much, either. German flea markets are very popular each weekend, and Germany is eBay's second biggest market. Even Wal-Mart folded in Germany after being unable to compete on price in that country.

I think it's great that Germans are embracing getting the most for their money. And while I would not actually pick through a dumpster for sanitary reasons, I see nothing wrong with picking up items someone left out with a 'Free' sign. I enjoy a good rummage sale with quality, lightly used items and while I don't find so many good deals on eBay any more, I am tickled when I do.

I was thrilled last night to buy two boxes of cereal with a high-value coupon for each only to find another box on the shelf with a "buy 2 get one free" coupon stuck to it. I got my three boxes of cereal for less than I would have spent on one. I love it when I find deals like that. And I do not even have any German blood in my veins!

Dumpster Divers Go Mainstream In Thrifty Germany from The Wall Street Journal.