Lem and PJ have been buddies since they dropped out of the eighth grade together. One night, the boys came up with what they considered a dynamite idea. "Those fast food places throw away enough burgers and stuff, we could eat free every day," declares Lem. Dinner that night — and the next few nights — is assured.

Days later, Lem suggests they branch out, and "go into appliances."

"You can’t eat that stuff," says PJ.

"No," says Lem, "but we can sell it on the street for real money. Nobody will know the stuff doesn’t work until we’re gone."

That evening the boys do some scouting, and spot three dumpsters filled to overflowing. They’re busy sorting through boxes when a bright light flashes on them.

"You two get out of there! You’re trespassing on private property," yells a uniformed security guard.

"We ain’t hurtin’ nothing, mister, we’re just lookin’ for some good trash," says Lem.

The guard is in no mood for talking. He reaches out and grabs Lem and PJ, dragging them forcibly out of the trash bin. Then he ushers them around to the front parking lot where he releases them. Maybe he gives them a little help leaving. "And don’t come back or I’ll see to it you spend the night in jail!" says the guard.

Months later the store is served with a notice to appear in court. Without going into all the legal ramifications, Lem and PJ are charging the security guard and the store with "beating and humiliating" them.

Can you humiliate a dumpster diver?

The jury says you can. They return a verdict in favor of the two boys, awarding them $23 million. You read that number correctly — it’s an eight digit figure.

The judge reduces the amount to $500,000 which offers some relief. But, really, a half million dollars for humiliated dumpster divers?