Everybody, in the Dumpster! The diving's fine

But if you are someone who enjoys treasure hunts and doesn't mind a little mess, read on because the riches that can be found are significant.

As ski season ends, treasure-hunting Dumpster divers can find gently used ski clothes and equipment, furniture and even appliances near the resorts.

John Hempen, 25, has worked as a bellhop in Vail.

"I am a ski bum who (makes) just enough to pay for a lift ticket and get by," he says. "So it is like Christmas in April up here because people will throw away almost anything at the end of ski season.

For a couple weeks I will gather up as much stuff as I can store until I sell it. eBay and Craigslist are amazing places to sell things. Skis are the easiest to sell. In one season, I can make $200-$300."

Bjorn Christianson of Vail goes so far as to say that the day after Ski Mountain closes is his favorite of the season. "Everything from food to the stuff in the lost and found needs to be thrown away," says Christianson, 42. He's found sunglasses and clothes by the truckloads.

Charitable organizations are often the first recipients of an end-of-season purge. But here's the good news: What doesn't go to charity goes in the Dumpster.

It is mind-boggling what skiers and resort staffers alike throw away because they plan to purchase new equipment or want to travel light.

The same concept applies to students closing out the traditional college school year. The best time to begin looking for castoff treasures is April or May.

I remember when I went to the University of Colorado in Boulder. I was walking down an alley at the end of a semester when I spotted a stack of textbooks next to the trash. So I did what any good treasure- hunter would do: I grabbed them. I held on to the books until the next semester and then sold them. It was the quickest $350 I'd ever made.

Ready for your own Dumpster- diving treasure hunt? First, secure a pair of gloves and a no-fear attitude. But here is the most important point: You need to get to the treasures before the trash trucks show up. First thing Monday mornings, along with the last few days of the month, are good bets.

"If the trash is on a public street or alley, it is fair game," Vince DiCroce of the Denver City Attorney's office says of Dumpster diving.

"In theory," he adds, "somebody getting use out of something that is thrown away is a good thing."

Aaron LaPedis is a guest columnist for The Denver Post. The Denver-area art and collectibles dealer and is the author of "The Garage Sale Millionaire" (thegaragesalemillionaire.com). Do you have a question about an antique or collectible? E-mail it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .