Waste not, want not!

Dumpsters might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of furniture for your new apartment, but for those who don’t mind getting a little dirty, they’re a haven.

 Every year as leases expire around Ann Arbor, the city organizes a large-waste drop-off center where Tappan and Oakland intersect. This little corner of tree town becomes a mecca of sorts for dumpster divers, who quickly snatch up any salvageable goods.  And there certainly isn’t a shortage.

In a college town like Ann Arbor, you’ll be able to find enough stuff to furnish several apartments. Leather armchairs, wooden dressers, chairs and tea tables, all fully functional and in good condition, are just a few of the items you might be able to salvage. This is because recent grads are in a hurry to get rid of all their old furniture before they move into new apartments, and dumping is easier and faster than selling.

 If dumpster diving sounds appealing but your friends are less than enthusiastic about the idea, you can use sites like Craiglist and Meetup to find a couple people to go with. But keep the following guidelines in mind:

•  Make sure you’re not breaking the law – if there are any “No Trespassing” or “Private Property” signs around, or if the dumpster is fenced in, find another location.
• Never climb into a dumpster by yourself, as you could fall victim to a garbage avalanche.
• If you’re dumpster diving at night, beware of small animals…
• Wear gloves!

 For more information and tips on dumpster diving, visit Wikipedia and wikiHow. And for a different kind of dumpster diving, check out these swimming pools made out of old dumpsters!

Rhiannon

Recommendation: Check out more about Getting Thrifty in Ann Arbor