Old Dump sites

[Headhunter23]

What is the best way to find out where old dump/trash sites are located to bottle hunt? I know if you can find an old house you can go from there, but is there a place that can provide that information? Do they have lists and locations of old homes? Like if I go to the Library what do I ask to see? Thanks!

[Wichita]

My buddy is a avid bottle collector. He finds the old town layout maps. Alot of em have the dump sites on em. He also hunts any creeks near the original "downtown" area.

[rmartin]

Away from towns and around old rural areas look for ravines. They loved to throw stuff down them.

[DesertWalker]

Oner of the things we used to do when I dug alot was find the town cemetary. For some reason the city dump wasn't far away, sometimes, right next to them. Or look downwind from the town within a couple of miles.

Also a steel probe will help you find the trash pits and outhouses.

[karatekid069]

Is there someplace you guys know of that details the proper way to dig an old dump site? You know without breaking the glass =)

[Headhunter23]

I usually just use a small trowel to dig. You seem to have more control over it than a big shovel. In case you see something. Plus it's not as heavy. If it's down a ravine, I start at the bottom and dig my way up the hill. But that's just me

[karatekid069]

the place i was going to dig is under an old outhouse. I was thinking of starting outside the perimeter and dig carefully a ways then work in with a trowel. But I am open to suggestions as it will be my first dig. Hell might even find an arrowhead =)

[DesertWalker]

Like hh23 said, dig around it first, not right into it. Bottle diggers use a steel probe to "feel" their way into a hole. Hard to explain, just takes time and experience.