keep out of the can

[Gravetree]

Instead of using a ladder to climb inside a trash can (which I generally try to avoid if at all possible). I carry a 3-piece extendable 6-foot pole with a hook on the end to help poke around and grab items in the lower reaches of the trash bin.
By not getting into the bin I can make a quicker egress if necessary and appear a little less conspicuous.
Some people use those grabbers that they sell to the elderly for reaching high cabinets but I prefer my hook.
I suggest, if you use a hook, not to make it look like a dangerous weapon just incase the police do show up.

[packrat]

nice

I use a grabber and a push broom handle to move heavy stuff around

[tommy]

I usually just hop in (if I need to), good exercise! I tried bringing a stick, but I forgot it in the dumpster once.

[packrat]

I found a nifty grabber some other dumpster diver forgot

then i left it leaning on a dumpster a few weeks latter

bought a new one and forgot it a few weeks latter

have had this one for over a year now

[dumpsterdiverdan]

I use a grabber. I almost never get in the the dumpster. No objection to it. I'm just too fat to do the climbing. Plus, at 6'2", and with my grabber I can usually reach anything in the dumpster.