Dump liner

This tip is so simple that I'm a little embarrassed to bring it up, but every time I go to the dump I'm reminded that lots of people could put this idea to good use. Before you load up all those drywall offcuts and old shingles, line your truck bed with one of those blue plastic tarps. Make sure that it's large enough to go up the sides and that it covers the tailgate when you let it down. When the load is light enough, you can use the tarp to pull the load out of the bed. Then you just shake the tarp to clean up. No need to sweep up or pry out the little wood chunks and plaster lumps that get caught in the gap between the tailgate and the bed.

Nancy Hart Sewin, Oakland, CA