We had a question previously on what is the best deal you ever got when procuring electronics, but what is the best free deal you ever got from dumpster diving, trash salvage or discarded material?
It is okay to mention the great free stuff we get from element14, but also mention your best score from trash.
My stereo microscope came from a dumpster. It didn't have a stand, but I built a stand and I use that microscope all the time. It was a a phenomenal score - an expensive device for free, that I use extensively.
From element14, I got to road test a 4 channel R&S scope, it is now my main scope - the highlight of the decade ...