If you read the article One Mans Trash is Another Mans Treasure you will see one thing we used to do was dump our household trash at a location on our property that was acceptable to that particular family. But sooner or later the lady of the house decided that this mess was just way too unsightly and the trash had to go! In the days before government designated "landfills" our ancestors drove out into the woods and dumped their trash.
Some locations were one time dropoffs that would be scarce to find, while others became a community dumpspot that accumilated medium to large piles of household and other trash. Much like the article below, these spots can contain a storehouse of potential treasures for collectors. Though most metal items will certainly be rusted severely now, bottles and other items may still be found in pristine shape.
Please be sure to check out the "legal stuff" below and the corresponding suggestions on safety in the article before you run out and get hurt or run into some wildlife. I won't repeat those here, but you should be aware of the following additional information:
These piles can be found while hiking in our national and state forests. Most will likely be easily accessible from old logging or fireline roads that may be overgrown, but the terrain should be somewhat level. Even so, watch for holes, drop offs, washouts and etc. A big thing is this...DO NOT SEARCH DURRING A HUNTING SEASON!!! Check with your local forrestry and park service on any regulations preventing you from legally removing these items off those lands, information on any controlled burns or wildfires in that area, the hunting schedules, and any other dangers that you should be aware of.
You should always scubba dive (hehe was seeing if you were watching)...just like scubba diving...always have a hiking buddy in case someone gets hurt. Cell phones don't work well in many remote ares like the parks so don't rely on anything but a friend you can trust. Make sure you carry fluids and snacks, a compass or GPS unit, first aid kit, a map of the area, possibly a handheld (cb type) radio, and make sure someone knows where you've gone off to and when to expect you back. You can check in with the park rangers while asking for information if you prefer to be isolated from your normal circle of friends and family.
Take appropriate safety equipment to sort through these piles, containers to safely store and transport them back to your vehicle, and appropriate dress for the possible extremes of wheather in that area at the time of season. Also, don't get greedy. Only carry what you can do so safely. Remember the lay of the land to the spot and don't be overconfident in your ability to carry just one more item back.....your back might not like it. Be safe and plan ahead, but most of all have fun and good hunting!
Update: Recent research has revealed (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln/archaeology/index.shtml) that at least in the Lincoln National Forest that even picking up bottles is illegal without a permit, and likely so in most federal parks per their FAQs:
Q: Can I collect artifacts from, or excavate sites on, the Lincoln National Forest?
A: No. Both of these activities are prohibited by the 1906 Antiquities Act and the Archaeological Resource Protection Act of 1974 and can result in fines and possibly incarceration (jail time). Damage of over $500 to an archaeological resource can be a felony offence.
Q: Can I metal detect on the Lincoln National Forest?
A: Yes, with caution, although it is not advised. If artifacts are recovered during metal detecting or archaeological sites are disturbed, the metal detector user can be in violation of the Antiquities Act or Archaeological Resource Protection Act. Violation of each of these laws carries serious consequences including the possibility of fines, jail time, and confiscation of the metal detector.
Q: Do I need a permit to conduct archaeological survey or excavation on the Forest?
A: Yes. Only qualified, permitted archaeologists can conduct survey or excavation on the Lincoln National Forest.
Q: Are old bottles artifacts?
A: Yes and collecting them from lands managed by the Forest Service is an illegal activity.
Q: Can I collect fossils on the Lincoln National Forest?
A: Yes. You may collect invertibrate fossils only and as long as they are not for commercial use or resale. Invertibrate fossils are things such as sea shells and ammonites, sea creatures basically. The gathering of vertibrate fossils (bones) are not allowed.
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