A full-time dumpster diver has revealed his most incredible finds – and claims he’s made over £78,000 from the gig alone.
When Jonas Fernandez finished high school, he was eager to find a quick way to make money – but wasn’t sure how to do so.
He then came across a YouTube video of someone dumpster diving and selling on the found goods for cash.
In a bid to try his luck, the inspired teen roped in his dad to go rummaging around nearby skips – and now, the 24-year-old has turned the gig into a full-time career.
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In a clip posted on TikTok, which has racked up 7.3 million views and 497,000 likes, he reveals one of his biggest finds to date – a dumpster filled with unopened bags of crisps.
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“I have made easily over $100,000 (USD) (£78,000) from the items I’ve sold so far,” Jonas, who sells on Facebook Marketplace and eBay, told What’sTheJam.com.
“Once I found a designer vintage bag and sold it for a couple of thousand dollars.
“I also gift the new items to family and friends, as well as give back to the community a lot and give away most of the stuff I find.
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“I love finding brand new items and being able to help others [in need].
“But always be aware of your surroundings and bring a buddy – never go alone.
“Make sure to have a flashlight and be ready to jump in the dumpster.”
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Jonas, from Chicago, Illinois, US, often checks behind general shops and big-name ones to see which items they’ve thrown away.
So far, he’s found seasonal items, clothing, electronics, toys – and even gold coins, jewelry, and an Olympic medal.
In the video, he can be seen sitting in a dumpster filled with bags of unopened crisps, as he grabs them in piles, before throwing them into the back of his car.
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with many people intrigued to go dumpster diving themselves.
“I would take all the big boxes,” Rhionne said.
Vince added: “Bruh I would fill the car till I couldn’t put anymore.”
“Love your videos. I miss dumpster diving nights but been too busy with work,” commented Tracy.
Someone else added: “Omg! My kids would be in heaven.”
“I’d drive around giving them out to homeless people it’s not much or the healthiest food but it’s something to help out,” Alyssa said.
According to Fox 2, dumpster diving is not illegal in the state of Illinois, so long as no trespassing is involved.
Jonas added: “Once trash is put outside, it becomes public domain and anyone can grab it.
“A lot of people think it’s neat being able to save and reuse items from the trash.
“I didn’t come from a wealthy family, so I know how it feels not to have everything – I try to give back as much as possible.”
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