Glass and more at old dump site.... worth digging deeper?

[littleredhen]

I found an old dump site today, covering a large area. There are tons of old bottles, cans,appliances, pieces of crockery, bricks, enamelware etc. Most of the stuff is currently frozen into the ground and can't be safely removed. Although most things are broken there appear to be many intact pieces as well. I found these items laying on top of the surface today.


7-up, Vicks formula 44, noxema
Most of these are not very old, maybe 30-40 yrs I"m guessing(except for the can, which I think may be newer, but I've never seen in this area). My question is, would it be worth digging deeper, and is there a certain way to go about these things. I'm new to metal detecting and this sort of "treasure" hunting. Your advice is appreciated.

 

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[Joshr29]

It's really hard to say until you just dig it. Some people used the same dump from the mid 19th century until the 1960. I've been taught to start at the bottom end and work your way up making sure to put the dirt you dig behind you. That way you don't cover up any undug items. You may find some gems in there. Good luck and be sure to post all of your finds. HH

 

[littleredhen]

Joshr29, thank you for responding.I'm not sure what you mean by the "bottom end". There is just a LOT of stuff( scattered easily over a few hundred square yards), most partly submerged, also piles of brick and chimney stone in an area that would be very hard to get to during late spring/summer/fall due to heavy low vegetation. Things like and old enameled basin that's been there long enough that a tree is growing through the bottom. I think it was used by an extended family, but don't know for how long. Do you just pick a spot and dig? I'm afraid to break something that might be valuable. I doubt a metal detector will be of any value since there are so many cans, pails, car parts, etc. also there.

 

[surf]

CRASS-Grape soda
​

Hello littleredhen,

Welcome to TNet & thanks for showing some dump finds. Between the Crass soda can, and the NDNR 7-Up, you're into some 1970's trash. There's not much in this age that is "collectible," yet. A very few bottle folk are starting to get into NDNR's, as sort of a sub-category.

You gotta dig to the bottom to find out what you have there.

From.​

 

[Joshr29]

In that case just star at what you think is the edge of the pile and toss the dirt wher you believe there is nothing to be found. When you move ahead your old dirt can go where you just dug. Just make sure you get everything so you don't recover good finds. Hope that helps you. Good luck and stay safe. HH

 

[littleredhen]

Thanks for your help....now I just need the ground to thaw!

 

[MrSchulz]

I think he met for a ravine. I would dig it, or atleast test holes. You never know until you try. You have some late 70s stuff there, but the dump im digging now had the same kinds of stuff on the surface, and im now pulling 1890s medicines sodas beer poisons bitters stoneware moonshine jugs and silver coin/tokens

 

[bottledigger101]

always worth digging deeper.

 

[relicmeister]

I have a small site I'm thinking of digging soon as weather permits. Its about8 x 10 feet stone enclosed pit and I have no way to know how deep till I start digging . I have found metal stuff dating to late 1800s in the same general area, so I'm hoping the pit goes pretty far back.I've found a few broken bottles that appear that old.

 

[GTK96]

Trying probing may help if you were worried about breaking stuff, especially if it's deep...might also help to locate the "heart" of the dump, or where the deeper/older stuff is gonna be found
Good luck,
GK