Basic Trashing Manual

by The Blue Buchanner

BASIC TRASHING MANUAL

Written by: The Blue Buchanner

This is an elementry manual on trashing. I don't think I am qualified to do one on advanced trashing, so here are the basics:

Trashing is the act of sorting through trash captured from the garbage bins and cans of your local MaBell office. The trash often contains many valuable things which can range from office memos instructing an operator to carry out a special task (trace someone's line..etc) to actual working phones! In addition to those things, you are also very likely to pick up Bell manuals (they have this habit of replacing them every time one word is revised) The following is a list of suggested instructions and tips to follow when or if you go trashing. Trashing can be quite profitable and fun, provided you do it right and don't get smelly, dirty, or busted.

STEP #1: LOCATE YOUR TARGET

This involves deciding on where exactly the place is you want to trash. The place you want to go trashing at is the Switching Office since that's where everything happens. The easiest way to find the S.O. is to look for a lot of microwave towers. (not too hard, eh?)

A good place for advanced trashing is your local COSMOS Office. To find it, look for the place in your city which most resembles:

1. A Castle or Fort

2. A Bunker out of WWII.

3. Your local Federal Prison.

4. A Building with the slogan "The more you hear.." on it. The security around these places is that of any of the 1, 2, or 3. Other possible targets would include:

1. Relay stations.

1. Look for a medium to small size tower with a little shack.

2. Look for a big-ass tower with a house with AT&T on the door. The little shacks are usually good to break into because they are left with some really good stuff and are usually out in the middle (maybe a little to the west) or nowhere.

I've never been into the houses. You can easily spot them because of the towers in the backyard and the odd fact that they have only one door (the front) and no (0) windows.

STEP #2: SCOUT THE TARGET AREA

One person should go out to the place you plan to trash and take a good look around. He should look for: Doors, cameras, fences, dogs, and the garbage bins. This is to minimize the amount of confusion when you go trashing that night or whenever-the-hell you go.

The scout might want to make out a small map of the streets & stuff in the area if the group is unfamiliar with it. You might also want to use it for quick, safe escape routes.

STEP #3: GATHER EQUIPMENT

Here is a brief list of equipment you might want to take along:

MAP: Streets, doors, security guards/cameras, garbage bins, etc...

CAR: Doors and trunk open (lights off) Liscence Plate Covered While the car is not necessary, it is helpful in quick getaways and is easier than biking or walking.

PEOPLE: More than one; Less than six.

Almost never go trashing alone. And never bring more than five guys along with you. It's a little obvious when you have six or seven teenage guys with sacks, dark clothing, and flashlights. The recommended group is three, but a duty chart shows more or less:

Number of people: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Number to search: 1 1 2 3 3 4

Number to watch : 0 1 1 1 2 2

EQUIP : Sack (each - nylon recommended as is light & easily washed/hidden)

FlashLight (each - with handkerchief)

Use the handkerchief to cover the light at all times. (Light looks really unusual comming out of a garbage bin at 3am)

Sneakers (ratty as possible - it is, afterall, garbage)

Dark Clothing (no bright orange or other florecent materials)

<+- ADVANCED EQUIPMENT -+>

Nitefinder goggles

Ski Mask

Gloves

Walkie Talkies / CB Radio

Lockpicks

A word on the lockpicks:

Lockpicks are very handy to have if the garbage is locked up. BUT DO NOT bring them if you don't know for a fact that there are locks -or- if you don't know how to use them correctly. Should you get caught, you don't want to have attempted breaking and entry and shit like that trying to be pinned on you.

Diversion Equipment: Smoke, Gas, Bang, or Flame bombs

Bring only that- no pipe bombs, soda can bombs, or harmful stuff like that. If you get caught with that stuff, they get nasty. It is also tempting to level the garbage bin just before you leave, which is not too wise.

AND NOW, THE EVER PRESENT: DOs and DON'Ts

If you're going advanced trashing, bring along a voltage meter to test fences, doors, and stuff that might be electrically wired or monitored. DO NOT go poking around anywhere other than the bins. There are probably silent alarms on the doors and possibly hidden cameras watching those other places you might feel tempted to go poking around.

DO NOT make a lot of noise.

Tipping over the cans and telling dead baby jokes is generally not a good idea.

Grab everything with typing on it. Leave the lunches and coffee grounds.

DO it at night.

DO all the reading/sorting at home or any other safe area other than the MaBell parking lot.

Go to the bathroom before you leave. It's no fun to sort through pissed on papers and manuals or sit in a bin that smells like shit.

DO NOT use the Diversion Equipment unless REALLY necessary.

Don't be afraid to stash your haul/gear along the way if it's slowing your escape.

DO NOT play jokes on the people in your party like shutting them in the bin. or acting like someone is comming.

THAT'S ALL FOLKS!

-TBB (FEB. 23, 1985)