105 Times People Hit The Jackpot While Dumpster Diving (New Pics)

Since then, Sparks and her husband have branched out from grocery store dumpsters to retail stores and apartment complexes. They always come prepared with the right gear, including gloves and grabbers, which are basically plastic claws on the end of a stick. 

Their biggest yearly haul comes in the spring, when college students move out of their dorms and usually only have a day or two to clear out. That’s when Sparks has scored things like working mini fridges, microwaves, and all sorts of other dorm essentials.

Sparks and her husband donate about 80% of what they find, sending items to a community pantry in their area, a thrift store that benefits a women’s shelter, and their local animal shelter. 

She hopes that people who watch her channel walk away knowing that “there are other ways to get rid of your stuff. You don’t have to throw it all away.”

Maybe we should all be a little more mindful about what we toss. Before throwing something out, it’s worth considering whether it could be donated or given a second life. And if you’re curious about dumpster diving yourself, it might be worth a try. 

Just make sure to check your local laws first, because some places do have restrictions on dumpster diving or consider it illegal. Stay safe, be respectful of the spaces you’re exploring, and do it responsibly.