So, you’re here because you’re curious about dumpster diving? I’ve got you covered with my experiences to guide you through your first dumpster diving adventure and what you can expect from the process. While I mainly focus on supermarkets, the advice I provide can also be applied to other types of diving.
Where Should You Go?
At first, you might think big cities are ideal due to the number of stores, but this can actually work against you. Finding bins or the back of stores can be a challenge in cities. However, big cities aren’t off-limits – it might just take a bit more time and effort to find something. You might have luck by directly asking store owners and restaurants at the end of the day if they have items to discard. Offering your help in exchange for a meal is also an option. In larger cities, meals are often provided to those in need on the streets, making this a potential food source. Generally, I tend to avoid big cities, but the tips above have worked for me in the past. Besides getting food for people in need, because I didn’t want to take any food away from these people.
On the outskirts of a city or in smaller towns, dumpster diving is usually easier. There can still be challenges due to uncertain bin accessibility. In such cases, you might need to travel to nearby cities, as smaller towns might have limited options. Based on my experience, I’ve had the most success on the outskirts of the city, in the countryside, and in small towns. The hardest part is finding the spots that work best for you, but once you do, there’s no turning back.
When to Go? Day or Night? Open or Closed?
You have two choices for dumpster diving times: during the day while stores are open or under the cover of darkness after closing hours. I’ve tried both, and I prefer diving after supermarkets have closed. This feels safer, especially in places where dumpster diving exists in a legal gray area. Nighttime diving offers fewer people around to disrupt you or cause stress about getting caught.
Diving during the day has its advantages too – clearer visibility – but keep in mind that workers might still be present. Usually, they’re not concerned with your actions, especially if you’re not leaving a mess behind. They might even offer you food before discarding it, but occasionally they might ask you to leave immediately and could even threaten to involve the police. Opting for daytime diving means you won’t need a torch, and you’ll find items more quickly. However, diving in the dark offers more time and guarantees that the food inside the bin is indeed thrown away. While searching in the darkness can be challenging and time-consuming, the risk of getting caught is lower.
Usually not how it is going!
What to Get Often and What Is Rare?
You can find almost everything you’d see in supermarkets, but luck plays a role. Some things you’ll stumble upon frequently, while others will be rare finds. This depends on various factors, such as the supermarkets and timing. Common items include fruits like bananas, grapes, and apples – they appear in almost every bin. I’ve even joked that if I find nothing else, I’ll at least find a banana. Fresh produce is the most common find due to its short shelf life. Alongside fruits and vegetables, I often come across bread, dairy products like yogurts, meat, and even plants.
Less common are products with longer expiration dates, like honey, nuts, or jarred/canned items. While these products might eventually end up in the bin due to damaged exteriors, I’ve still managed to rescue chocolate, oatmeal, protein bars, and gum on occasion. Occasionally, I’ve found unique items such as sushi, caviar, beer, and even unopened vodka bottles.
Equipment
A flashlight is essential at night, allowing you to see the contents of dumpsters.
Gloves are highly useful since you’ll be sorting through trash – not all bins contain dirty or unpleasant items, but protection is wise for when you encounter less pleasant things.
Optional for comfortable old clothing – while you might find ingredients for a gourmet meal, remember, this isn’t a fancy restaurant; dress appropriately.
Bags and boxes are lifesavers – trust me, going empty-handed is a mistake. You’ll always find more than you expected, so bringing something to transport your finds is crucial.
If you’re driving, a tarp or blanket can protect your car’s interior from getting dirty.
What Kind of Bins?
Bins are typically located at the back of buildings where deliveries are made. If bins aren’t visible, they’re likely inside the store.
There are standard bins, similar to those you have at home, usually unlocked and easily accessible.
Then you have traditional dumpsters on four wheels, which can sometimes be locked or in fenced-off areas.
Lastly, industrial-sized container bins are the trickiest to access, often impossible to see inside. These aren’t recommended, as they can even be hazardous due to mechanical compression.
What to Do If You’re Caught? Fight or Flight?
Chances are, if you’re a regular dumpster diver, you’ll eventually get caught. But it’s usually not as bad as it sounds. Most people who catch me are simply curious and want to know what I’m doing.
I deal with this by engaging in conversation. I explain that I’m rescuing food from the bin and even offer some to them, but they usually decline.
If I’m caught by staff, I leave the store, as they don’t want to get into trouble themselves. Dumpster diving doesn’t typically draw much attention from the police; it’s not a priority compared to other laws. If the police do get involved, they might charge you with trespassing, loitering, or perhaps littering. Generally, there’s little to worry about in terms of getting caught – usually, nothing serious comes of it. The key is to avoid unnecessary attention, be respectful of the place, and leave no mess behind.
If you have more questions about dumpster diving, feel free to reach out. I’m here to answer your questions.
