A growing number of people are embracing "dumpster diving," the practice of salvaging discarded items from commercial bins. Motivations range from saving money and donating goods to charity, to a strong aversion to the amount of usable items being thrown away.
Darryl Baker, a mother of two from north London, discovered piles of clothing and other items beside supermarket recycling bins. After receiving permission from supermarket staff, she was able to gather entire wardrobes for her children and herself. Over a six-month period, Baker estimates she saved hundreds of pounds, finding brands like Ralph Lauren, Nike, and The North Face. She also sells some items, having recently earned £30 for a Barbour jacket.
Jeff Ferrell, a 72-year-old from Fort Worth, Texas, has been dumpster diving for over 50 years. He collects discarded metal to sell at scrapyards, earning around $150 every two weeks. His wife sells other finds, such as antiques and jewelry, online. Ferrell estimates his salvaged items are worth tens of thousands of dollars annually. He views his practice as "a bit of Robin Hood mixed with anarchist direct action," often focusing on more affluent neighborhoods and giving away many of his discoveries.
Millie Diamond, a London-based stylist, shares her dumpster diving finds on TikTok. Her specific goal is to salvage fabrics and clothing to refashion into new items, some of which she then sells. She recently found discarded textiles from a closed business, which included many vintage clothes, and estimates one dress she salvaged was worth £600.
Charlotte Bayford, an Essex resident, finds many usable items when students at Essex University leave for the summer. She has not purchased shampoo in eight years and estimates this has saved her money. Bayford also donates many of her finds to charity and sells valuable items. She notes that sealed food items, such as tins of baked beans, are also fair game.
Legality surrounding dumpster diving varies. In some US cities, such as New York, Cleveland, and Wichita, it is considered illegal because discarded items are deemed property of the city or its trash service providers. Divers in these areas risk trespass charges. In Fort Worth, items can only be removed from bins on public land. In the UK, legal expert Sunjay Versani states that while prosecution for taking genuinely discarded goods is unlikely, there is no automatic right to take items from skips or bins. He advises seeking permission from the owner or business if in doubt.