Over 30 billion metric tonnes of waste are produced around the globe each year. In all that waste, there's bound to be something worth keeping. Or at least that’s the idea. The act of dumpster diving is probably as old as the trash bin itself and was just called something else before that, but with increased amounts of trash coupled with environmental awareness, it has taken on new life.

Buddhist monks make treasures out of trash by repairing and cleaning tossed items and selling them to raise money for charity.  And going to the extreme are the freegans, who look to dumpsters behind grocery stores and restaurants for food that has been thrown out.  It doesn't have to be that intense. Dumpster diving can be as simple as grabbing boxes and crates for an upcoming move.

If this sounds interesting, check out the Dumpster Diving Meet-Up site to find groups that meet all over the world.

-Jess