Junk

Junk is the most plentiful resource in the game, and the easiest to obtain. Junk can be found randomly littered around the world, in garbage containers, or from other people. Junk can be scrapped into one of 5 basic elements, either by holding Shift and clicking them in your inventory, or by dragging and dropping them over the scrapping area. Some Junk can also be used to craft Weapons, or cook Meals.

Scrap Elements
Scrap Elements include Fabric, Cardboard, Wood, Plastic, and Metal. Scrap Elements are required to create Blueprints necessary for constructing Buildings at your Sanctuary.

You will also find Glass items, which can be turned into a Recycling Center for Money, and other Item types which can't be scrapped. Clothes can be scrapped for Fabric.

Garbage Containers
There are 4 types of garbage container in The City. Garbage Bins, Garbage Dumpsters, Recycling Bins, and Standing Recycling Bins. Each have their own drop chances for items, but as a rule Garbage contains more Wood and Metal Items or Food, where Recycling contains more Cardboard and Plastic Items, or Drinks. Both contain an even number of Fabric items.