Dumpster Diving DIYer Secures Working SSDs, RAM, Laptops From Their Local Landfill
Source: ExtremeTech, Jon Martindale
Photo: Anton Petrus/Getty Images
We’re not recommending you do it, but in this economy? There are worse ideas.
A lucky and determined dumpster diver on Reddit has showcased their haul of various functioning desktops and laptop systems, as well as standalone SSDs, RAM, and even graphics cards. Considering how expensive consumer electronics are here in late 2026, this haul represents hundreds to thousands of dollars of valuable hardware.
None of its super current, but it’s all very functional, and some of it is worth some real money.
The thread appeared on the r/HomeLab subreddit a few days ago, with user u/Tsuto showcasing a range of hardware they’d picked up from the electronics bin at their local landfill site over the past few months. They’ve pulled a few desktop systems and a range of components, allowing them to piece together a system with a pair of 256GB SSDs (one of them a Samsung 850 Evo, too), two 2TB hard drives, and a 1TB SSD. They then upgraded it with 64GB of RAM and a newer i7 7700 from Amazon.
In another instance, u/Tsuto was able to get a Core i7 Asus gaming laptop up and running just by replacing the battery for $25. Sure, it’s only a 4710HQ, but its got 16GB of RAM and a basic 860M GPU—plenty for basic esports play.
Other great finds include an MSI Radeon RX 580, a couple sticks of Crucial Ballistix Sport memory, and a $60 soundbar. The desktops’ cables, coolers, and system fans are all worthy saves, too. As long as they work well enough, it represents serious savings on trying to build or buy anything new.
Some commenters in the thread question whether u/Tsuto is allowed to grab these kinds of electronics, as their own landfills have strict “no scavenging” policies. But u/Tsuto said that while their local landfill technically prohibits scavenging, the staff there are happy to look the other way when they’re rummaging around.
ExtremeTech in no way encourages you to go dumpster diving or look for loot at your local landfill. It could be dangerous, and you could face fines, arrest, and/or trespassing charges.