Just When You Think You've Heard It All, Along Comes Dumpster Diving
Until yesterday, I didn't know a sub-culture of Dumpster Divers existed.
Dumpster Diving is something I would categorize under "weird shit," and weird shit always fascinates me, so I did some research on it. After reading many websites and forums dedicated to, what one site refers to as, "the latest craze;" I've managed to gather enough information to form a general FAQ's about it.
Dumpster Diving: Everything You Never Wanted to Know about Digging Through Other People's Garbage
I. What is Dumpster Diving?
Basically it's rooting through dumpsters to find things you can use or sell. One website summed it up as this: "Dumpster diving, rather than the physical diving implied by its name, is actually more along the lines of fishing - it is as relaxed or competitive as desired, follows many seasonal trends and localizations, is an excellent social activity, and may just leave you with something interesting or tasty." -- "Dumpster Diving: An Introduction."
II. Who Does It?
Besides homeless people, apparently it's everyone from your average middle-class person and suburban soccer mom (hobbyists) to hackers, investigators (looking for evidence to use in criminal trials), identity thieves, hippies, and watchdog organizations (investigating certain groups).
III. Why??
Good question. For hackers and identity thieves it's self-explanatory. For some it's a hobby, kind of like "treasure hunting" (usually soccer moms). Others sell their finds for profit at yardsales or on eBay, and even consider it a legitimate business (they even write off their business expenses at tax time). Some DD'ers consider themselves activists who are making a statement about recycling and our wasteful society.
IV. Do People Really Make A Living Out of Dumpster Diving? Could This Be My Ticket to Financial Freedom?
The Dumpster Lady answers this with an enthusiastic YES:
"Can you say 'Early retirement?' Can you say, 'Honey, we need to rent another storage space?' Can you say, 'I spent $20 on food for 10 people this month?' Trust me, if you stick with this, you can find more stuff that you and 10 other families can use. We have quite a few diver friends who are now selling dumpster dived stuff at flea markets and other places. We've got Moms who can now stay at home because of diving. We have diving friends who are supporting themselves almost entirely with diving. There are folks who have been able to go back to school because of diving."
That's pretty amazing, because you'd think homeless people would not only be extinct by now, but financially well-off. However, Jacqueline Corbett says, "Contrary to popular opinion, dumpster diving is not just a means of survival for the homeless or the 'down and out'." I guess not, especially when middle-class people can get in on the action.
V. What Do People Find in Dumpsters?
It depends. In residential areas (apartment complexes are popular), DD'ers are likely to find clothes, lamps, furniture, etc. But, they usually like to stake out stores and businesses. From what I've read on forums and websites, people find a lot of electronics and computer-related gear that they take home and fix or sell. Information Divers look for personal information like IDs, passwords, and credit cards. Universities and colleges are also popular haunts for old desks, file cabinets, and computers. Many also look for food. In fact, food has it's own category. It's called "Freeganism."
VI. Food?
Yes, food.
"Food trash is such an excellent and plentiful source of dumpster diving glee that it is worthy of its own category. However, eating something from a dumpster is not something many would readily take part in, and the obvious reason behind this is that there is a lot of really gross food out there. You're not homeless. You're not out there to settle and take what you can get. If you have doubts about it, then don't take it. It's already trash anyways. The saying is: 'use some sense, and use your senses.' If it smells a little funky or has just a little too much squish to it, then let it be. With that out of the way though, there is still an abundance of food which can be consumed safely."--Kuro5hin.org
That's right, you're not homeless so take the good stuff and leave the gross shit behind. Unlike people with jobs and homes, homeless people are used to settling and taking whatever they can get.
VII. What is Dumpster Diving Etiquette?
These seem to be the main rules:
- Don't go behind a closed fence to reach a dumpster.
- Don't leave a mess. Leave the dumpster better than you found it so those who enjoy this hobby can continue.
- Don't take paperwork with people's confidential records.
- Take only what you can use, and leave the rest for someone else.
The Kind Hippie said this: "Always be polite to people, even if they yell things like "hey ya bum get a job," which can and does happen, because most people think that the only types of people that dumpster dive are bums." You know, bums...as in homeless people. Not fine upstanding citizens like him.
VIII. What's Their Strategy?
Dumpster Divers have plenty of websites that tell you how to do it effectively. But I find The Dumpster Lady to be a professional on this subject. Her advice? First, scope out your target: "Most divers start by scoping out likely dumpsters. Do a few 'drive-bys' where you just look for likely dumpsters." Next, find out if it's legal in your town...and be discreet. "You can either go to the library and do the research yourself, or you can call local law enforcement and ask. Most divers choose to call from a pay phone so as not to identify themselves to law enforcement."
IX. What Else Did You Find Out About Dumpster Divers?
- Dumpster Divers tend to be territorial. The Dumpster Lady says, "Folks spend a LOT of time developing their sources, and they don't always want to share those sources with others. Divers are especially protective of their food sources."
- Dumpster Diving can be a spiritual experience. Jean C., an accountant and avid Dumpster Diver said, "Dumpster diving can be a spiritual endeavor if you happen to believe it’s a sin to throw away food." Jacqueline Corbett recommends it too: "There is something both magical and mystical about dumpster diving. Not only are you 'rescuing' something of value from almost certain oblivion -- but you are also receiving a 'surprise gift from the Universe' that is totally free."
- Dumpster Divers have enemies. Not only that, but they strongly believe they are superior to their enemies. "Store employees are the nemesis of dumpster divers everywhere. For some reason, a few of them just can't stand divers...If you're asked to leave, leave quietly without saying anything other than 'OK' or 'Yes Sir'...Treat your confronters with the respect that they THINK they deserve." --The Dumpster Lady. You're on someone's private property and that person actually THINKS he should be treated with respect? The nerve of some people! isogloss3d (link no longer available) laughs at security officers who try to stop him: "My girlfriend and I were threatened by a college apartment building security officer once, it was hilarious really. I think it was because we didn't react as if we were "caught" or doing something wrong, we acted like they were the crazy ones." Hahaha! Yeah, THEY'RE the crazy ones. You tell 'em'."
- Dumpster Divers love to brag about their finds. See "Submitted Tales of Treasures Found."
X. Why So Snarky? Dumpster Divers Aren't Hurting Anyone.
What? You think I'm being snarky? Okay, maybe I am. I'm normally an open-minded and non-judgmental person, but I think there are some things that need to be addressed about Dumpster Diving. For one, many of these people, with good intentions, donate food they find in dumpsters to homeless shelters or share it with others. Do they tell these people where the food comes from? Because I'm concerned about things that can also be found in dumpsters like rats, cockroaches, flies, and food poisoning. Also, from what I've read, DD'ers tend to keep the "good stuff" for themselves and "donate" whatever they don't want to a good cause. The point is there could be serious and dangerous consequences by eating or giving away food found in dumpsters.
Another thing that bothers me is that most of the people who do this are not poor or homeless. They have homes, jobs, income, cars, and food. They see this as a hobby or money-making opportunity, while homeless people see it as a means for survival. While they're making off with a box of doughnuts so they can post their "treasure" on some message board, it's quite possible they just took someone else's breakfast...you know, the "bums" who NEED the edible food, not just the "gross stuff."
It's dangerous for business owners too, so I think it's perfectly reasonable that some of them put locks on their dumpsters (DD'ers look down on people who try to keep them out). If someone gets hurt on their property, they may get hit with a lawsuit.
It's dangerous for Divers. Three words: Used hypodermic needles. I'm surprised anyone would take the risk. Is that bag of apples really worth getting HIV?
But then again, maybe I'm not seeing the whole picture here. What does this "newest craze" say about our society and economy? Are middle-class people so desperate now for money that they need to do this to generate income? If that's the case, America is a hell of a lot worse off than I thought.
Here are some other web sites I found while researching Dumpster Diving:
Dumpster Diving & Trash Recycling for Fun and Profit
Books: "The Art & Science of Dumpster Diving" and "Dumpster Diving: The Advanced Course" by John Hoffman (I didn't read them, but a lot of people recommend these books on their websites and in forums)
