IS IT LEGAL?

-Yes, Its legal in my state. Although certain cities are against it. Which means you cant dive there even if it is legal.

​

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DIVING FOR?

-I have been diving for almost 7 years!

​

What made you start Dumpster Diving?

-I saw a you tube video of some girls diving at ulta and getting brand new makeup, so of course i had to try for myself!

​

What was your first find?

-My very first dive was actually at ulta, and i came home with a box of makeup, with a retail value of about $1,500! 

​

Do you have a job other than diving?

-Besides being a mom, no. Diving provides income for me to support my family!

​

How did you start selling the items you've found?

-I started with garage sales, then face book marketplace. Then i discovered 3rd party reselling sites, so i started on those until i eventually made my own website! 

​

What happens if you get caught?

-well, i don't refer to it as getting "caught" because that makes it seem like your doing something wrong, which I am not. its being seen to us divers, and when were seen by employees the most they can do is just ask us to leave. which we do.

( and then come back later )

​

Do you have any advice for new divers?

-First make sure its legal. then scope out the areas you want to dive. google maps can help a lot! you can see if the stores have compactors or dumpsters! when looking in the dumpster, look for clear trash bags and boxes. if your short bring a step stool. bring some sort of grabber for things you cant reach. try to be quiet and don't make a mess.

​

Whats been your best find?

-that's a really hard question to answer. since iv'e been doing this so long iv'e found so many good things! i don't think i have a best find.

although, my whales vertabre has to be the coolest one so far!

​

How often do you go?

-Usually Monday through Friday, while the kids are in school, sometimes on the weekends if were out and about or if hubby is in the mood to dive. but typically weekends are for family. i treat this like a job, stick to diving on work days.

​

when is the best day and or time to go?

- there is not necessarily a day or time better than another. every store is different when it comes to taking the trash out. but i have most of my luck during the day, although it switches up quite a bit! sometimes day is good but night is better, you really never know!

​

what do you do with your finds?

- i sell, keep or donate.

​

do you get embarrassed if your seen?

-absolutely not. 

​

do you get a lot of hate for what you do?

-of course. but i brush it off. now days its been more so positive than negative. which is great!

​

why do you do it?

-because its fun, i mean who doesn't like free stuff? its like a treasure hunt! you never know what you're going to find!

​

do you think you will ever stop?

-never! ill be a dumpster diver until i physically cant be!