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One person’s trash is another’s treasure, and the ‘Dumpster Diving’ subreddit believes it quite literally, fully embracing the saying. It’s an online community of over 130k members that’s been celebrating the cool things (including pets!) found among the trash since 2009, the year it was founded. With a tagline like ‘Fun with Garbage,’ there’s no way that somebody wouldn’t be intrigued to open the lid and take a peek at what’s going on in the group!

The folks over on r/DumsterDiving are sharing their intriguing finds, and we’ve collected some of their most interesting photos to share with you Pandas. Not only are the pics the perfect metaphor for the fact that Lady Luck can smile on you at any moment, but they’re also a reminder to protect the environment. After all, why buy something new when you can reuse a perfectly good item?

Remember to upvote your fave dumpster finds as you scroll down and let us know if anything from the garbage ever found its way into your home. Be sure to read on for Bored Panda’s interview with Greenpeace about the reuse revolution and where the ultimate responsibility for eco-friendly decisions lies.

#1

Found This Rascal Next To A Dumpster, She Made A Great Addition To The Family And Is By Far My Best Dumpster Diving Haul

Found This Rascal Next To A Dumpster, She Made A Great Addition To The Family And Is By Far My Best Dumpster Diving Haul

Fantastic-Farmer-115 Report

#2

Tonight's Find

Tonight's Find

reddit.com Report

#3

I Found Her Dumpster Diving This Morning I Was Able To Find Homes For Her Two Sisters But Nobody Wanted Her. Looks Like Now I Have A Cat

I Found Her Dumpster Diving This Morning I Was Able To Find Homes For Her Two Sisters But Nobody Wanted Her. Looks Like Now I Have A Cat

UrbanRelicHunter Report

According to The World Bank, the world generates a whopping 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste each year. Around a third of that isn’t dealt with in an environmentally safe manner. High-income countries might account for 16 percent of the global population, but they generate 34 percent of the total waste.

Globally, each person creates anywhere from 0.11 to 4.54 kilograms of waste each day, depending on where they live. The situation is bound to get worse as the world’s population increases and more nations become developed. By the year 2050, the amount of global waste is set to grow to 3.40 billion tonnes.

#4

Found In The Alley. It Weighed A Million Tons, Because Those Pillars Are Real Marble

Found In The Alley. It Weighed A Million Tons, Because Those Pillars Are Real Marble

Literary_Octopus Report

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#5

Last Summer I Found 2 China Teacups, And Last Night I Found The Matching Saucers In A Different City!

Last Summer I Found 2 China Teacups, And Last Night I Found The Matching Saucers In A Different City!

ForwardEggplant Report

#6

When Out To Dumpsterdive And Play Pokémon Go Last Night, And Found This Little Cutie. Took Her In And Posted About Her On "Lost Pets" On Facebook. After She Had Been Missing For 2 Weeks, She Finally Got Back Home To Her Parents And She Was Only 3 Months Old

When Out To Dumpsterdive And Play Pokémon Go Last Night, And Found This Little Cutie. Took Her In And Posted About Her On "Lost Pets" On Facebook. After She Had Been Missing For 2 Weeks, She Finally Got Back Home To Her Parents And She Was Only 3 Months Old

oI_ToXiCz_Io Report

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Chrissie Mörbe
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

VERY good of you to check if she was a lost pet. A lot of people would say "I guess I have a cat now" without thinking twice about whether that cat might have an owner.

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One of the biggest problems contributing to climate change and pollution is the massive production of single-use plastics and packaging. If products were built to be used and reused, we’d be in a far better position to deal with the climate crisis.

Greenpeace explained to Bored Panda that it’s mainly corporations that bear the biggest responsibility for changing how plastic is used and produced globally. The role of individuals is still important, however, it’s important not to lose sight of the big picture and where the biggest impact could be made.

#7

Husband: “Honey It’s Just An Empty Case, I Am Not Climbing In For That.” Wife (Me): “Just Get In And Get It The Case Might Be Worth Something, Plus I Have A Feeling.” Who Was Right? Well It Was The Wife Of Course

Husband: “Honey It’s Just An Empty Case, I Am Not Climbing In For That.” Wife (Me): “Just Get In And Get It The Case Might Be Worth Something, Plus I Have A Feeling.” Who Was Right? Well It Was The Wife Of Course

Aphk312 Report

#8

Found This 1934 First Edition Mary Poppins In The Trash Of The Building I Work In

Found This 1934 First Edition Mary Poppins In The Trash Of The Building I Work In

Nangle_ Report

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#9

We Are Such A Wasteful Society, This Was Found In One Cee-Vee-Ess Dumpster

We Are Such A Wasteful Society, This Was Found In One Cee-Vee-Ess Dumpster

solitudeandpeace Report

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"Though it’s important for individuals to take part in the reuse revolution movement and do their best to reduce their plastic footprints, the responsibility lies on the multinationals that produce single-use plastic packaging in the first place," a Greenpeace representative told Bored Panda.

"One of the big challenges we are faced with is the corporation's addiction to single-use plastic and their relationship with the fossil fuel industry. As global demand for oil declines, the fossil fuel industry is doubling down on plastic, the new frontier for petrochemical production.”

#10

Meet Our Special Find From Last Night! She Was Dumpster Diving Too

Meet Our Special Find From Last Night! She Was Dumpster Diving Too

1mad8world2 Report

#11

I Found This Ring In The Dumpster On Monday! Had It Appraised Yesterday And Found Out It’s A Handmade Gold Ring From The 60s-70s! It’s 14k Gold Band Is Worth $200+ (Stone Is Glass). I Also Found Those Tiny Hands With It Haha

I Found This Ring In The Dumpster On Monday! Had It Appraised Yesterday And Found Out It’s A Handmade Gold Ring From The 60s-70s! It’s 14k Gold Band Is Worth $200+ (Stone Is Glass). I Also Found Those Tiny Hands With It Haha

breafkastfordinner Report

#12

Saved From The Landfill This Weekend!

Saved From The Landfill This Weekend!

mosomedve216 Report

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James016
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All that thrown away makes me sad but happy that it was saved and eaten. Not wasted

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Greenpeace claims that big corporations are working hand-in-hand with the fossil fuel industry while putting up an eco-friendly front.

“While big brands like Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Pepsi claim they are addressing the plastic pollution crisis, they are working hand-in-hand with the fossil fuel industry and making even more plastic,” the rep said.

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“As it stands, plastic production could double within the next 10-15 years, and triple by 2050. This is alarming, especially if we are to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees. Plastic is an important part of moving away from fossil fuels, combating climate change, and protecting communities."

#13

Thought Someone Was Throwing Away An Old Violin. Nope, It's Roulette!

Thought Someone Was Throwing Away An Old Violin. Nope, It's Roulette!

Cult7Choir Report

#14

Our First Time Diving Last Night. Only One Find, But We Were Thrilled! (She Hasn’t Stopped Guarding It)

Our First Time Diving Last Night. Only One Find, But We Were Thrilled! (She Hasn’t Stopped Guarding It)

Mauhg Report

#15

Found This Beauty In A Jewelry Box Mixed In With A Bunch Of Fake Jewelry. 14k Yellow Gold, With A 1k Tanzanite Gem In The Middle, Surrounded By 23 Genuine Baguette Diamonds. Having It Appraised In 2 Days

Found This Beauty In A Jewelry Box Mixed In With A Bunch Of Fake Jewelry. 14k Yellow Gold, With A 1k Tanzanite Gem In The Middle, Surrounded By 23 Genuine Baguette Diamonds. Having It Appraised In 2 Days

jamieden Report

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Otter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hold onto that sucker until you get a really good price! Tanzanite is increasing in value, has been for some years. Apparently the existing mine or mines are played out, and nobody's found a new source in a long time, so the gems are gaining value because people are realizing how scarce they are.

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#16

Don't Know What I'm Going To Do With It, But Couldn't See This Be Ruined

Don't Know What I'm Going To Do With It, But Couldn't See This Be Ruined

Cult7Choir Report

#17

It’s Amazing What People Will Throw Away. Late 1960s Schwinn ‘Fair Lady’ Cruiser. My Wife Needed A Bike And Absolutely Loves It!

It’s Amazing What People Will Throw Away. Late 1960s Schwinn ‘Fair Lady’ Cruiser. My Wife Needed A Bike And Absolutely Loves It!

HERMANNATOR85 Report

#18

Got This Side Table From The Curb. It's Top Was Broken, So I Spend A Little Over 3 Hours And €4 Worth Of Rope And Glue To Upcycle It To This!

Got This Side Table From The Curb. It's Top Was Broken, So I Spend A Little Over 3 Hours And €4 Worth Of Rope And Glue To Upcycle It To This!

keepmedreaming Report

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#19

Thought You Guys Might Like My Fav Trash Pick Ever: Made My Dad Drive 25 Mins One Way In His Truck In Spitting Rain While I Sat With It To Make Sure No One Else Took It Has The Original Record Player Inside Also. I Know It’s Not Everyone’s Style But It’s Like It Was Meant To Be In My 50’s Ranch!

Thought You Guys Might Like My Fav Trash Pick Ever: Made My Dad Drive 25 Mins One Way In His Truck In Spitting Rain While I Sat With It To Make Sure No One Else Took It Has The Original Record Player Inside Also. I Know It’s Not Everyone’s Style But It’s Like It Was Meant To Be In My 50’s Ranch!

grecham Report

#20

Drove Around Picking Up Pallets People No Longer Wanted And Made Myself A Headboard Out Of Them

Drove Around Picking Up Pallets People No Longer Wanted And Made Myself A Headboard Out Of Them

besottedwthepotted Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You would pay a pretty penny for a handmade wood headboard like this. Just a suggestion for a side business if you ever need to make a bundle of extra cash.

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#21

My Dad Pulled This Gigantic Canvas Out Of The Dumpster At The School He Works At, I Taped The One Tear It Had, Covered It In Black Gesso And Painted This

My Dad Pulled This Gigantic Canvas Out Of The Dumpster At The School He Works At, I Taped The One Tear It Had, Covered It In Black Gesso And Painted This

VavaVoooooooooom Report

#22

Tenants In My Apartment Complex Got Evicted. Left This In The Dumpster. Just Needs To Be Cleaned Up A Little

Tenants In My Apartment Complex Got Evicted. Left This In The Dumpster. Just Needs To Be Cleaned Up A Little

woosterben Report

#23

I Just Don't Know How You Throw These Away. Too Cool

I Just Don't Know How You Throw These Away. Too Cool

Cult7Choir Report

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deathrose
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fabric/sewing scissors. It's a super common design and not really worth keeping if you don't have a use for them.

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#24

Little Haul ..it Feed My Kids For Bit .. Hard Times This Blessing Helps Alot

Little Haul ..it Feed My Kids For Bit .. Hard Times This Blessing Helps Alot

Massagegirl94 Report

#26

Took The Back Way Home This Evening And Stumbled Upon This Beauty. The Boyfriend Has Been Shopping Around For A Gaming Chair, Too!

Took The Back Way Home This Evening And Stumbled Upon This Beauty. The Boyfriend Has Been Shopping Around For A Gaming Chair, Too!

alyssadujour Report

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#27

Rescued From A 3 Letter Pharmacy Dumpster And Headed For Donation To A Clothing Charity Run By A Local Church

Rescued From A 3 Letter Pharmacy Dumpster And Headed For Donation To A Clothing Charity Run By A Local Church

river-running Report

#28

Found Two Gift Cards In The Dumpster Of The Local Thrift Shop. I Just Checked The Balance On Them, And Each One Has $100 On It

Found Two Gift Cards In The Dumpster Of The Local Thrift Shop. I Just Checked The Balance On Them, And Each One Has $100 On It

UrbanRelicHunter Report

#29

$175 Watch Was Damaged Out For Having A Broken Clasp. Took It To The Watch Repair Kiosk At The Mall And He Said It Wasn't Broken, They Just Didn't Know How To Work The Self Adjusting Clasp

$175 Watch Was Damaged Out For Having A Broken Clasp. Took It To The Watch Repair Kiosk At The Mall And He Said It Wasn't Broken, They Just Didn't Know How To Work The Self Adjusting Clasp

miserlymistress Report

#30

I've Always Wanted A Signed Book By This Author. Never Thought I'd Find It In A Dumpster

I've Always Wanted A Signed Book By This Author. Never Thought I'd Find It In A Dumpster

dleclair Report

#31

I Work As A School Photographer. Best Believe That When I Pulled Up At The Elementary School I Was Photographing And Saw The Giant Gorgeous Mirror Near The School Dumpster?? I Snuck Her Into My Back Seat Before Heading Into The School

I Work As A School Photographer. Best Believe That When I Pulled Up At The Elementary School I Was Photographing And Saw The Giant Gorgeous Mirror Near The School Dumpster?? I Snuck Her Into My Back Seat Before Heading Into The School

TACKYTUESDAY Report

#32

Once Again! I Am Saddened By This, But What’s Really Sad, Is Others Might Say “I’m Gross To Take Stuff Out Of A Dumpster” All The While I’m Thinking, “No The System Is Gross That I Even Have To”

Once Again! I Am Saddened By This, But What’s Really Sad, Is Others Might Say “I’m Gross To Take Stuff Out Of A Dumpster” All The While I’m Thinking, “No The System Is Gross That I Even Have To”

Wtfwhois52 Report

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Katrina
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While, normally I agree with not wasting stuff, this could because there was a recall on it or something was wrong that they needed to throw it out.

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#33

Pulled A Fully Functional 3D Printer While It Was Raining. All It Needed Was New Filament. One Of The Best Things I've Ever Found

Pulled A Fully Functional 3D Printer While It Was Raining. All It Needed Was New Filament. One Of The Best Things I've Ever Found

kandroid96 Report

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#35

After A $35 Part, 55" Curved Samsung 4k TV Saved From The Dumpster Works Like New!

After A $35 Part, 55" Curved Samsung 4k TV Saved From The Dumpster Works Like New!

Macdaddyfucboi Report

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troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ugh all there is in my neighborhood dumpster is... trash :/

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#36

Hand-Carved Vintage Liquor Cabinet On The Curb!

Hand-Carved Vintage Liquor Cabinet On The Curb!

chauncyyy Report

#37

Found This On Top Of A Glass Recycling Bin On My Way To Pick Wildflowers

Found This On Top Of A Glass Recycling Bin On My Way To Pick Wildflowers

SerenestSkies Report

#38

Okay I Know I've Said This Before And I Know I'll Probably Say This Again, But I Think I Just Made My Best Find. Found A Little Money Pouch With A Bunch Of Old Money In It

Okay I Know I've Said This Before And I Know I'll Probably Say This Again, But I Think I Just Made My Best Find. Found A Little Money Pouch With A Bunch Of Old Money In It

UrbanRelicHunter Report

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Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some numa…numata…coin collector will know if that bottom one is valuable

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#39

We Dumpstered Wood Samples From A Floor Store And Created A Counter For Our Tiny House

We Dumpstered Wood Samples From A Floor Store And Created A Counter For Our Tiny House

treebie Report

#40

This Beautiful Chair I Saved From A Skip Today!

This Beautiful Chair I Saved From A Skip Today!

JCrome Report

#42

So Excited About This Curbside Find!! The Wife Wanted New Barstools To Replace Our Crappy Wood And Cloth Ones. Found A Set Of 4 Of These With A Sign That Read “Free! I’m Vegan Now” Ha! Cleaned Up The Leather Already Going To Do Some Chrome Repair Good As New! Thank You Vegan Stranger!

So Excited About This Curbside Find!! The Wife Wanted New Barstools To Replace Our Crappy Wood And Cloth Ones. Found A Set Of 4 Of These With A Sign That Read “Free! I’m Vegan Now” Ha! Cleaned Up The Leather Already Going To Do Some Chrome Repair Good As New! Thank You Vegan Stranger!

Baristasaint Report

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#43

Lane Midcentury Modern Desk I Picked Off The Curb Last Night In My Neighborhood

Lane Midcentury Modern Desk I Picked Off The Curb Last Night In My Neighborhood

JamesPerrenoud Report

#44

Bo Won 6 Medals During The 1991 Special Olympics, Hosted In St Louis Missouri. In 1992 He Died In A Dentist Chair From Complications With The Anesthesia. I Found His Medals In A Dumpster And Now I Would Love To Find Photos Of Him. Stephen "Bo" Anich. He Was Born In 75 And Had Cerebral Palsy

Bo Won 6 Medals During The 1991 Special Olympics, Hosted In St Louis Missouri. In 1992 He Died In A Dentist Chair From Complications With The Anesthesia. I Found His Medals In A Dumpster And Now I Would Love To Find Photos Of Him. Stephen "Bo" Anich. He Was Born In 75 And Had Cerebral Palsy

dumpsterarcheologist Report

#45

Not In The Dumpster But Next To It. Mid Century Cherry Red American Tourister Nesting Suitcases!

Not In The Dumpster But Next To It. Mid Century Cherry Red American Tourister Nesting Suitcases!

Helenback11 Report

#46

Found This Dumpster Diving Tonight... Everything But The Chain Strap Marked And Tested As 14k Gold

Found This Dumpster Diving Tonight... Everything But The Chain Strap Marked And Tested As 14k Gold

UrbanRelicHunter Report

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Otter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And it's glam! And with that shape, it might even hold a smartphone!

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#48

One Of My Best Dumpster Finds Ever. 1940s Chest Type Coca Cola Cooler. Another Guy Showed Up With His Wife And Said Too Bad You’re All Alone You Cannot Pick It Up By Yourself. Well It’s In My House So I Guess I Did

One Of My Best Dumpster Finds Ever. 1940s Chest Type Coca Cola Cooler. Another Guy Showed Up With His Wife And Said Too Bad You’re All Alone You Cannot Pick It Up By Yourself. Well It’s In My House So I Guess I Did

Rarecoin101 Report

#49

Found A Very Cool Couch This Morning- Only Had To Dive For The Cushions!!

Found A Very Cool Couch This Morning- Only Had To Dive For The Cushions!!

televisedtrip Report

#50

Didn't Even Have To Go Far...sitting Right By My Apartment Dumpster

Didn't Even Have To Go Far...sitting Right By My Apartment Dumpster

mbz321 Report

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kasa alex
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would open a bar and call it Fat Tyre just so I could use this awesome sign

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Note: this post originally had 124 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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