posted on February 21, 2001 12:37:06 AM
There is another thread about Dumpster Diving currently running, but is 3 pages long at this time. I don't know if every ine will read through the 3 pages so I have started this thread. I like to "junk pick" as we call it in Michigan, but I stick to the curbside variety. Here's why.
I would NEVER, EVER even think to go into a doctor's or medical office dumpster for any reason. If you think of all the potential risk from disease and infection that you could come into contact with you would'nt do it. I was on kidney dialysis for seven years and all the needles and associated equipment went into the dummpster. Getting stuck with one these needles is like sharing a needle with a person you don't know. Also, if you have a small cut, even the first layer of skin broken, you are up for trouble if you come into contact with ANY FLUID in these dumpsters. STAY OUT IF THEM!
Many people say they go into dumpsters in the back of malls and department stores. There is some danger with this also. Here is a link to a story from the Detroit Free Press. It about a lady who was shoplifting a pair of shoes from a second hand store and was crushed to death in the dumpster. Read the whole story.
posted on February 21, 2001 03:49:11 AM
I'm pretty sure in Ohio it is illegal as well. Most dumpsters behind shopping malls etc. are kept either locked, or behind enclosures that are locked.
posted on February 21, 2001 04:36:39 AM
Well sure anyone who would climb in a powered compactor is an idiot. I won't climb into one but the most of the good stuff is left on the pavement outside. I have a cane and can hook stuff to pull it closer. I would not even think about messing with a dumpster at a doctors or a hospital. If there are visable items that are dangerous at such a dumpster I would complain to police because some kid or pet could get into it. That's why they are required by law to dispose of such items by special biohazard containers that are picked up seperately.
posted on February 21, 2001 04:38:54 AM
I'm not sure about other states but in FL there are strict rules concerning Bio-hazzard waste. All needles, fluid soaked dressing, etc. is disposed of in special recepticles. They are kept separate of other trash, then collected and disposed of by a diffferent agency (not the regular trash collector) Although I certainly agree with the warning of Dr. office/hospital dumpster diving, in FL the chances of getting stuck with a needle are slim.
Behind a local shopping center I was once looking for packing materials. I came across a big beautifl picture frame. The glass had broken and the store (an expensive import store) had thrown it out. Needless to say it went right into my trunk!
posted on February 21, 2001 10:03:59 AM
Got to admit, I've done it a couple times myself. Once, saw some interesting things on top, in the bottom in the corner I found boxes of steel pennies carefully wrapped! Can only guess a dishonest or very stupid employee put those there...either, A: Stole them from the shop to get later, or B: Thought they weren't real! I think they must have been dishonest. I would have liked to seen the look on their face when they discovered they were gone!!! In fear of losing their job, that they had been watched?
posted on February 21, 2001 10:08:59 AM
I have been in a parking lot of a gas station when a person was taking out the trash. I saw that he stopped by his car first and put a case of beer in his car before going to the trash can. Talk about dishonest store employees. I reported him to the manager. I have not seen that employee back at that store.
-Trey
***********************************
"If your mind can concieve it, and you believe it, then you probably can achieve it."
