Urban Foraging – Diving Into The Activism Of Free Food

Common Concerns about Dumpster Diving

One of the most common concerns about urban foraging is whether or not it can be considered as safe. People worry about getting injured as they climb in and out of dumpsters or as they sift through the content. The fear of coming into contact with dangerous materials is also something that may stop new dumpster divers from daring to venture outside of their comfort zone. It is true that there is some risk involved, and that can be said for most things, but any risks can be minimised by adhering to proper procedure. Some examples of that is hygiene, protective gear, doing adequate research, going in groups and utilising a car and so forth.

Wear protective gear

This isn’t as complicated as it may sound. It doesn’t mean you need to go out and get yourself a hazmat suit. But you need to wear sturdy shoes and if possible, shoe covers. Wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move around in, and wear thick gloves rather than a flimsy pair of thin plastic ones. Bring hand sanitiser and wear a face mask. If the pandemic taught us anything it was the usefulness of face masks and the importance of hygienic habits.

The kind of nature rubber gloves one uses for cleaning will usually suffice. But if you can get your hands on even sturdier ones, or ones that go above your elbow, by all means do. You must always be careful when you climb in and out of dumpsters, and this is where your research comes in handy. Learn as much as you can about the dumpster you intend to climb into, and do look inside of it with a flashlight before you decide whether it is a good idea to climb inside. Using a grabbing tool that allows you to grab something from the bottom of the dumpster without entering it, is a great way to simplify your dumpster diving. Such tools are often sold to those who have injuries their backs or suffer from back pain. It helps them reach when they can’t bend down and pick things up as well.

Don’t go alone

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend urban foraging alone. Going with at least one other person is best. If you or that other person has access to a car, then that is even better. I am not usually an advocate for cars, but being able to pack the trunk of a car rather than carrying it home is easier on your joints. It is only too easy to injure oneself if one doesn’t pick things up and carry them right, and it’s is not worth it. It is even better if you and your friend/s make a plan before you go. Make a list of:

• What you want to look for

• What you hope to find

• Which stores you intend to visit

• What time it would be best to go there, based on the closing times of each store.

You might not always need a car or a friend to go with you, but it is the better option. If the dumpster is close to your home and you know it well, a bag on wheels or ergonomic backpack should help you get your food home. But be mindful of what time you go diving. Be sure to tell someone else when you head out and when you intend to be back. Safety first, people.

Health risks

When people hear the word “dumpster diving”, many shudder and imagine the worst case scenario. Calling it ‘urban foraging’ awakens people the benefits and takes away some of the stigma. Rolling around in a dumpster with dangerous materials, filth, mould and rat droppings. But most grocery stores and restaurants tend to dispose of perfectly good food that is neither filthy nor expired. Of course there will be instances when something has leaked. Or the odd dumpster that has been visited by an animal. But those are the exceptions to the rule. One must always use common sense. If a dumpster looks filthy and potentially dangerous, don’t sift through it and don’t jump inside. It’s that simple.

There will be food inside that you do not wish to eat or perhaps not even touch. But no one is going to make you touch those foods or eat them. You need to go with your intuition here. If something looks right, smells right and tastes right, it doesn’t really matter if it was said to have passed its best before date. Think about it. What you find at one place can easily be the same type of items that other places decide to sell 50% off to their customers. The best before date is a guideline. It doesn’t mean that the food will not be edible beyond that point. All it means is that it is considered to taste the best before that date. Most foods are good far beyond their best before date. Especially packaged foods.

When you look through grocery store dumpsters for food, you will most often find sealed, packaged foods. Those that are sealed, are considered excellent finds and popular choices for dumpster divers. Crisps, candy, cookies and other sweets are often found this way.

Other ways of saving food

Here in Sweden there is a company that sells food that is close to expiring or indeed has expired. But only foods that will be edible beyond that date. This company earns a lot of money through selling such items at a discounted price. During times when I’ve been unable to pursue urban foraging – for example, during the pandemic – buying food from such companies was an excellent alternative option to saving food and money. Earlier this year I bought several snacks and staples in bulk through this company. Usually for less than a third of the original cost. The food was good and the prices were affordable. Some of those items will last me and the people around me for the rest of the year.

Diving is a form of activism

Companies and shops can safely earn money on foods that have expired or are close to expiring. Therefore I do not feel any fear for my safety when dumpster diving for those items. It is a form of activism that reduces waste, reduces worldwide shipping and helps families and individuals thrive on a low budget.

It is a good idea to rely on your senses when you dive. Use all your senses to be able to ascertain if the food is alright or if it is showing signs of spoilage. It is similar to how you would check the produce at the grocery store before you decide whether or not to buy. As a rule, if you aren’t sure, for whatever reason, don’t bring it home. Just walk away and continue your search elsewhere.

Legal concerns

Legal concerns surrounding urban foraging do vary depending on where in the world you intend to dumpster dive. Many dumpster dive for food while they travel to keep costs down, often during road trips. It is especially important to remember then that each country has its own rules. The rules may not even stay the same throughout the country. In the US, for example, dumpster diving is generally considered to be legal. Though some cities and states may have their own specific regulations. In Europe, laws and regulations regarding dumpster diving vary by country. Some countries have strict laws against it, while others are more lenient. In France, for instance, dumpster diving is illegal and punishable by fines. All while in Germany, it is legal. 

In Canada, the legality of dumpster diving also varies by province, and some areas are more strict than others. It is very important for divers to research and follow any local laws or regulations regarding dumpster diving to avoid legal issues. To make matters easier, reach out to local divers first and find out more information from them. Perhaps they’ll allow you to go with them so they can show you the ropes.

In other words, the laws differ depending on your location. But as long as you are not trespassing or creating a mess, dumpster diving is considered to be legal and a good thing. There is a rule among all divers to leave the place you dive in a better condition than you found it in. Clean up inside and around the dumpster, and be sure to close the lid well. You do not want to be the one who give divers a bad name and ruins it for the rest. The reason some stores and restaurants lock their dumpsters is usually because some diver didn’t respect the act enough. The dumpster is not yours. You go there to save something, to limit the world’s waste. So as a form of respect and as a thank you to the owners of the dumpster, you make sure it looks tidy and nice for them and for the next diver that ventures there. Doing your research, connecting with other divers and learning from other divers are all important steps of diving. Especially for beginners.

Safety Tips

Now that we’ve discussed some of the common concerns about urban foraging, let’s look at some tips for how you can proceed safely and responsibly.

1. Wear protective gear: As mentioned earlier, wearing sturdy shoes, shoe covers and gloves is important to protect your feet and hands from injuries and protect your clothes and shoes. You do not want to wear something especially nice, and then manage to spill something from the dumpster on it. It is not worth it.

2. Wear a headlamp: Many dumpsters are located in dark or poorly lit areas, so it’s a good idea to bring a flashlight or headlamp to help you see inside. Most phones do have flashlights, but you do not want to risk dropping your phone in a dumpster when it is dark outside and you’re in stealth mode. And you’ll need your hands for looking through the dumpster, so personally, I feel a headlamp is the best option.

3. Avoid hazardous materials: Steer clear of anything that seems dangerous, such as pills, broken glass or any sharp objects. If a dumpster contains one or more of those, make a note of it and find other dumpsters. Advise others to steer clear from those dumpsters too.

4. Don’t go alone: It’s always best to have a partner with you when dumpster diving, especially if you’re new to the practice. Following a practiced dumpster diver and having them show you how to dive and where to go is the best option for a beginner. They will undoubtedly have invaluable information to teach you and humans tend to learn by doing. The safest way to do so is to go with someone who knows what they’re doing already.

5. Be respectful: Always be respectful of property owners and their property. Never ever leave a mess. Don’t disturb the area more than you need to in order to retrieve what you’re looking for, and be sure to leave it in a better condition than you found it in.

Where to Find Food To Dive For

One of the biggest draws of dumpster diving is finding free food. But where should one look?

Here are some common places to find edible items:

1. Grocery stores & supermarkets: Many grocery stores and super markets are in the habit of throwing out perfectly good food just because it’s past its best before date, has some form of mark or simply because they need to make room for a new shipment coming in. Check the dumpsters behind grocery stores for fresh produce, baked goods, and sealed, packaged items.

2. Restaurants: Restaurants also throw out a lot of food, especially at the end of the night. Check the dumpsters behind restaurants and fast food chains for leftovers, bread, and other items.

3. Farmers markets: Some farmers markets will discard unsold produce at the end of the day, so check the dumpsters or bins in the area. You may also reach out to local farmers who may throw out any produce that they do not believe will sell. Yes, most compost in some way, but there are still plenty of farmers who dispose of incredible amounts of food simply because they don’t look picture perfect. Or because the public doesn’t know about the uses of certain foods. Such as carrot greens. They are disposed of by the ton, when we could be using them to make pesto, soup, bread and other dishes.

4. College campuses: College students often leave behind perfectly good food in their dorm rooms or at campus events. Check the dumpsters near dorms or on campus for snacks or packaged goods.

5. Food co-ops: Co-ops or other natural food stores may have a bin or dumpster with still good food that is past its best before-by date.

Remember to always be mindful of safety and hygiene when searching for food in dumpsters.

Cleaning and preparing food

Once you’ve found some food in a dumpster, it’s important to clean and prepare it properly before eating it. Actually, it is best to clean produce from grocery stores and supermarkets as well.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Wash the produce: Rinse the produce thoroughly under running water. Wash the produce itself with baking soda and vinegar and carefully wash any and all packaging with water and soap. Be mindful of the seal, as you do not want it to break. Cleaning everything like this will help remove any dirt, bacteria, or contaminants that may be on the surface.

3. Check for spoilage: Do this before you bring the food home. However, as it is often dark when you dumpster dive, you may miss something, so when you get home, check everything a second time for signs of spoilage such as mould, bad smells, or slimy textures. When in doubt, throw it away. This is why it is best to do this well while still at the dumpster. You do not want to produce more waste for yourself. Trash pick ups can be expensive in some parts of the world.

4. Disinfect surfaces: If you’re bringing food into your home, disinfect any surfaces that the food touched, such as countertops or cutting boards. Wear gloves, but not the same ones as you used while diving.

5. Cook the food thoroughly: It’s important to cook food that needs to be cooked thoroughly so that you kill any bacteria that may be present. Personally, I stick to produce and packaged foods, but if you venture beyond those options, this becomes even more crucial.

Environmental statistics regarding food waste

Dumpster diving is not only a way to save money, but is also a good way to help reduce food waste and minimise the environmental impact.

Here are some statistics on the matter:

1. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, one-third of all food produced in the world is wasted each year. That’s over 1.3 billion tonnes of food. Compare that to the homeless and the hungry. We could afford to feed the hungry many times over if we stopped being so wasteful on a global scale.

2. In the United States, the USDA estimates that at least 30-40% of the food supply is wasted each year.

3. Europe: According to the European Commission, the food waste in the European Union amounts to approximately 88 million tonnes per year. The associated environmental impact of 170 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to the annual emissions of 76 million cars. The Commission has set a target to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. It is too little, too late.

4. Canada: In Canada, it is estimated that food waste costs the Canadian economy $31 billion per year. This includes the cost of producing, packaging, transporting, and disposing of the food that is never consumed. Furthermore, food waste generates approximately 56.6 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions annually. This accounts for approximately 8% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

5. These statistics show us the significant environmental impact of food waste and how important it is that we address this issue. By reducing our food waste, we can save resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fight hunger and poverty, and build a more sustainable future. Dumpster diving and other ways of reducing food waste play an important role in achieving these goals. When we waste food and throw it away with regular trash, it creates greenhouse gas emissions in the form of methane. It would be most beneficial if individuals throughout the world could begin composting their food waste. And even grow some of their food themselves.

Connecting with others 

Social media has played a crucial role in connecting dumpster divers across the globe. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram allow divers to connect with others in their area and share information about locations and experiences. Hashtags like #dumpsterdiving and #freegan have also become popular on social media, making it easier for divers to find and connect with each other.

Dumpster diving groups and social media communities not only allow divers to share tips and experiences but also provide a sense of support and community. For many divers, dumpster diving is not just a way to save money or reduce food waste. It is also a way to connect with others who share their values and beliefs. By working together, these groups can promote a more sustainable and equitable food system, one dumpster at a time.

• Europe: In Europe, there are several groups dedicated to dumpster diving, including “Freegans” and “Dumpster Diving for Food.” These groups often organise meet-ups and events to share tips and experiences. According to a survey conducted by the Freegan group in France, over 60% of participants found more than 50% of their food through dumpster diving.

• Canada: Dumpster diving groups have also gained popularity in Canada, with groups such as “Food Not Bombs” and “The Dumpster Diver’s Guide to Living” leading the way. These groups often use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to connect with other divers in the area and share information about the best locations to find food.

• In the US, there are also many dumpster diving groups and communities that have formed in various regions of the country. For example, the “Dumpster Diving Meetup” group in New York City has over 2,000 members who connect to share tips and locations for finding food. Similarly, the “Denver Dumpster Diving Meetup” in Colorado has over 1,000 members. These groups often organise events and meetups to go dumpster diving together and share their experiences. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram play a major role in connecting these groups. That makes it easier for divers to find and connect with others in their area.

Conclusion

Dumpster diving can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to do it safely and responsibly. Think before you act and use common sense. By following the advice in this article, you can enjoy the benefits of dumpster diving while minimising the risks involved.

It is an activist act that enables individuals to fight food waste and its environmental impact. By rescuing perfectly good food from dumpsters, we can help reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfills and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Be respectful of property owners and leave any dumpster you visit in a better condition than you found it in. Follow the local laws and regulations, connect with other divers and learn from them and go with others rather than diving alone.

Change the world one dumpster at a time!