Scavenging

Scavenging is the lifeblood of the Clean Zones, and there's no survivor alive in 2170 who isn't too proud to scramble around in the ruins looking for barely-functioning tech to build new devices out of. It can be done at specific "scavenging nodes", which also function as spawn points for various enemies.

Basic Scavenging
Scavenging can be done in one of two ways; a general search, or a specific search. General searches are the best chance of getting random scrap and rare items, while specific searches last twice as long and will either find the item (which must be Common) searched for or find nothing at all.

Ruin Scavenging
Ruin Scavenging is the art of stealing things from Battlegrounds. While this is more dangerous, there is a chance of finding some truly rare and impressive objects, such as USB keys with various MP3 tracks and rare uncraftable armour, weapons and clothing. It's hard to find scrap or herbs here, though.

Clean Zone Scavenging
Clean Zone Scavenging is effectlively Ruin Scavenging, but for the Scraplands rather than the Battlegrounds. While Ruin Scavenging is more likely to turn up usable items, Clean Zone scavenging is more likely to produce crafting items - scrap and herbs particularly, but rarely whole items.