How to Curb Shop

Curb shopping--searching for and rescuing items that have been put out at the curb as trash--is a fun, no-cost hobby. Here's everything you need to know to get started.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A car (or way to get stuff home)
• Bungee cords
• Blankets
• Basic tools
• Gloves

How to Curb Shop

1. Check state and city codes to make sure curb shopping is legal in your area.

2. Learn the trash pick up schedule. Many towns have a certain day of the week or month for picking up large items, or pick up in a different area of town each day.

3. Stock your car with bungee cords, blankets, tools (for taking apart large items), gloves and anything else you think you'll need to haul your finds home.

4. Then, head out; and search for those treasures.

5. When you find an item of interest, take the time to look it over before putting it into your car--some things won't be as great as they look from the road.

6. Load your finds using bungee cords, blankets or whatever else it takes to get them home safely and without damage.

7. Then, head home, and put your finds to work. A little scrubbing or paint is often all it takes to turn someone else's discard into your newest treasure.

Tips & Warnings

• Not sure if something is trash? Knock on the door and ask before taking it.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects.
• Avoid digging blindly into a trash pile.
• Do not remove items from recycling bins--this is considered stealing in many communities.

[LilacGirl]

on 5/22/2008 In my city, they don't put things on the curb for some reason, but this is good advice for places where they do.

[vallain]

on 4/7/2008 You might like Freecycle.com. People post on it when they spot good stuff on the curb so others can go pick it up.