Put some Junk in your Trunk!

For some people the whole question of dumpster diving is still debatable. But for a true junker, it's a no-brainer. The more items we can keep out of landfills the better. And, of course, you can't beat the price.


Check out this dumpster I came across on a recent drive. Isn't it obvious that they WANT someone to take some of that stuff? That's why they place it front and center.

My getaway vehicle! Can you see what's missing?

Who would throw away a cutie like this? This was the start of yesterday's acquisitions. I had no agenda or map, and I didn't set my alarm. Just a few side streets while I had to go into town anyway.

Lots of chicken wire, and already just a little bit rusty. Useful for so many projects! Okay, this one I admit was actually IN the dumpster, but I didn't have to go rooting around inside or even open the lid. It was setting on top in a pile, just begging to be taken (you can tell).

This was leaning against a dumpster. Couldn't they have easily put it INSIDE it? ..... Of course.

But they obviously were hoping that someone could find a use for it.

That someone was me! Even broken garden tools can be put to good use in the hands of a junker. The handles alone are good to have on hand to be used like dowels. The heads can be used for garden art. But one of my favorite projects using garden tools is an easel.

Here's one I made using the shovels as the legs. (Please disregard the mess behind. One of these days I will reorganize and tidy up my shop. That will be a BIG post.)

I was already pleased with what I got on my simple run into town and was on my way home when I spotted these. So I hit the brakes and the flashers! 11" across and about 55" high, I'm not quite sure what I'll do with them, but my first thought was some sort of floor lamp. But I think I'm not thinking outside the box enough. What if I cut it in half horizontally, or vertically, or slices, or cut out little windows. Hmmm... A local business has something similar but even larger that they set out on a regular basis. I do have a few of those, and if I paid attention, I could have piles of them. Hmmm, again......

This was picked up a different day on a different run into town. I don't think I know ANY junker who would have passed it up. Stuff like that is very typical in a garbage pile, but is so basic to the junker's stockpile of goodies.

I guess what I'm saying is: DON'T BE AFRAID TO PUT A LITTLE JUNK IN YOUR TRUNK!

Midge