// Dumpster Diving - Art or Science?
//
// by hacnslash
//
// http://www.oldskoolphreak.com

September 23, 2003

        The art of the dive can be a very satisfying occupation. If
you know where to look and what to look for, then you could find a
lot, a lot of stuff. The places you want to dive at, are closely
related to what you are looking for. If you're looking for rancid
chocolate and half-rotten pistachio nuts, then the local Kroger is a
great choice. If, one the other hand, you are looking after computer
components and electronics in general, like most other hackers, you
might find the following places interesting:
 
- universities
- office supply stores
- computer shops
- schools
- the classic: local telco
 
Let's analyze what you might find at each and every one of these
locations. 

Universities: These are great for old computers and
miscellaneous manual. Universities work like this: They buy a new
computer. It goes to...let's say a professor. The professor's old
computer probably goes to his assistant, or some other person under
him. This way computers stay in the system for a long time, and
they're usability is increased. Thus whenever they buy some new
computers, they usually throw out some old systems. These are usually
2-3 generations behind the current tech. If they get some new Pentium
4's then you'll probably find some Pentium 2's or maybe even 3's.
Many universities also throw out manuals from new computers as they
install they're OS of choice. I once found a completely legal, sealed
copy of Win95 with the manual, and no, I'm not bragging of finding
windows....I microwaved it the next day. Universities are also good
for old legacy parts, when they upgrade, they sometimes
  put the old parts on the shelf, some are thrown away. The ones that
are thrown away make nice parts in a linux box or a file server or
something like that. Next to computer parts, you can find a lot of
electronics, like phones and stuff like that.

Office Supply Stores: You can find a lot of....well, office
supplies...but seriously, you can get phones, very nice for
phreaking, you can make beige boxes and stuff. For these dumpsters
you have to be careful. There might be some security, and if you get
caught, you better have a good story, don't run, whatever you do,
don't attempt to bribe or to run. This also goes for universities, of
course, you could pose as a student who lost his pen in the trash, or
something, but don't run, there is no reason to do so. Office stores
can be good for phones, as I said, and also for different
electronics, also you can get a lot of blank cd's. While there is a
very slim chance they will work, if you find a couple of cd-rw's then
that is a good find. These office stores can be useful, so be on the
lookout for them

Computer (repair) Shops: If this is not obvious, then should you
really be reading this? But, alas, I will explain. If they specialize
in repair, then there is a slim chance you'll find good components in
the trash, as they keep the old components that work for future
upgrades or replacements. They usually only throw out burnt out or
defective components, but you might still find a use for them. Shops
that only sell computers, might have new stuff out in the dumpster.
They might throw out discontinued hardware. Usually the big stores
throw out stuff only when it has gone through a zillion price
reductions, so you most likely will not get any cutting edge
hardware, remember this is trash. 

Schools: Schools rarely, rarely throw out good working computers.
They are passed down through the system like at the universities and
they might be passed down to elementary schools, or other schools.
This isn't good for the diver, since the hardware will have long
passed its prime, but it can still be used for basic print server
functions, or something similar. You could find interesting lists in
the trash at schools, grade lists, phone numbers, and general
information. Also beware of school food trash, remember how bad
school food was? I don't think you would want to dive headfirst into
a rotten pile of it. So be careful, and this goes for any dumpster.

Local Telco: Well, well, you should already know what you can find
here.....but I'll explain. You can get number lists, phone system
manuals, and other stuff of this kind. Beware of stricter security
around telco dumpsters. Basically any phreak can get useful or 
otherwise interesting info from their local telco dumpster.

General information about diving. First off is clothing. Wear
something you don't really care if you get some shit on. Also carry a
flashlight with you. Hell, if possible grab a headlamp. If you have a
friend interested in diving, then there should be no reason for why
you couldn't go together. First off, you can watch each others'
backs, and second you can find more stuff this way. And it's also
more fun when you're with a friend. Also, be sure nobody sees you go
to the dumpster or leave the dumpster. You don't want some guy
calling the cops on you. Also, if somebody does see you, act natural 
and just pretend you have every right to search that dumpster, if a 
new employee finds you, he might just believe you.So, this is why the
best time to dive is late-evening to night. Yes, in the winter you 
could dive earlier, but just make sure there's nobody around or at 
least nobody that can see you.