How to Safely Dumpster Dive

European skip runner

We in the West live in a very wasteful society. This is seen in the vast amounts of good food we throw out daily. This has lead to the rise of a culture called "freeganism", although homeless people also dumpster dive because they have no other choice. Freeganism began in Europe and is becoming more popular in the United States. Although it might seem strange for a dumpster to be where to find dinner, you can safely go about doing this.

Things You'll Need

• Backpack (rusksack)
• Old clothes you don't mind getting ruined
• Dog (optional)
• Human helper (optional)
• Car or other vehicle (optional)
• Garlic
• Onions
• Steady nerves

Instructions

Bon Appetit

1. Walk around your neighborhood in the daytime, noting where grocery store and restaurant dumpsters are.

2. Plan your route before you go out, whether on foot or by car. You want to take the least amount of time possible.

3. Wait until dark. The ideal time is about three in the morning.

4. Put on old clothes, backpack and if necessary, your dog. Bring along human helper, if possible.

5. Go along your planned dumpster route, working as fast as possible. Open the dumpster, open the closest bags and check to see if there is food in there. If necessary, have your dog guard you against drug addicts and rats.

6. Bring booty home and give a thorough examination to everything. Toss out anything that smells funny, has turned to liquid and cut out brown or rotten spots if you can save and quickly use the good parts.

7. Cook most vegetables, any meats any prepared foods with fresh onion and fresh chopped garlic in order to help kill any lingering bad bacteria.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are uncomfortable dumpster diving in your neighborhood, drive to the closest city or another neighborhood.

• Dumpsters are called "skips" in England, so dumpster diving is often called "a skip run".

• If you decide to take your dog with you, he needs to be well behaved and quiet.

• When you can peel fruits or vegetables, do so before cooking or eating.

• Don't take bagged lettuce or spinach. They go off too quickly.

• Don't cook or eat anything that you haven't inspected thoroughly first.

• Don't sort your food takings at the dumpster. You are too rushed. Do your sorting and sniffing at home where you can take your time.

• Don't force open a locked dumpster. The police pay attention to this.

• Don't argue with security guards or police. In fact, thank them politely and move on.

Resources

• How to Choose and Cooked Trashed Food
• Food Waste on Staggering Scale
• Dumpster Diving Laws