Can you really save 'hundreds of dollars'? Aussies resorting to this tactic may face serious charges
- Replies 10
Amidst the cost of living crisis, many Australians resort to multiple ways to save money.
In recent times, a peculiar trend has emerged across the country, with individuals turning to an unconventional method to combat the rising costs.
While the idea of saving hundreds of dollars might seem tempting, it's crucial to understand the legal and health implications that come with this practice.
Dumpster diving involves rummaging through supermarket and shopping centre bins to salvage discarded yet still edible or usable items.
From fresh produce, canned goods, and even non-perishable home wares, an increasing number of Australians have adopted this controversial money-saving approach.
A growing online community of dumpster divers regularly posts their finds online and shares tips on where to locate bins brimming with goods.
Some individuals even claimed to have not paid for groceries in years as they relied on their bin discoveries.
'You can save hundreds of dollars from one dumpster dive,' a dumpster diver from Lismore, NSW, shared in an interview.
Despite the enthusiasm, experts issued a stern warning for those engaged in dumpster diving.
Legal experts cautioned that while scavenging through rubbish is not illegal, the law has pointed out what constitutes 'permissible 'behaviour.
Only items that have been genuinely discarded and are in public bins can be legally taken.
'If you've taken an item that's not been genuinely abandoned, you could face serious charges, such as stealing,' Lawyer William Kennedy pointed out.
It's illegal to take goods from behind-store loading docks or storage zones if they have not been thrown away.
Trespassing onto private property, including businesses, without permission could also count as a prosecutable offence.
However, criminal lawyer Avanish Singh clarified that if items are in a bin meant for disposal, they are considered abandoned.
Taking these items should not be considered as stealing.
However, accessing a bin on private property without consent is trespassing, and that's where many dumpster divers find themselves in hot water.
Beyond the legalities, dumpster diving also carries significant health risks.
Perishable items like meat, dairy, and prepared foods quickly spoil and could lead to food-borne illnesses such as salmonella.
There's also the potential for contamination from mould, pests, or harmful chemicals.
Injuries from sharp objects or hazardous materials could also be a genuine concern.
Precautions like gloves and masks could mitigate these risks, yet, the dangers are still present for dumpster divers.
While saving money is vital during the cost of living crisis, so is everyone's health and the law.
Have you ever considered dumpster diving? If not, do you have tips for saving on groceries? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
In recent times, a peculiar trend has emerged across the country, with individuals turning to an unconventional method to combat the rising costs.
While the idea of saving hundreds of dollars might seem tempting, it's crucial to understand the legal and health implications that come with this practice.
Dumpster diving involves rummaging through supermarket and shopping centre bins to salvage discarded yet still edible or usable items.
From fresh produce, canned goods, and even non-perishable home wares, an increasing number of Australians have adopted this controversial money-saving approach.
A growing online community of dumpster divers regularly posts their finds online and shares tips on where to locate bins brimming with goods.
Dumpster divers find edible pantry staples and goods disposed by supermarkets. Image Credit: Pexels/Mohammad Ghelichi
Some individuals even claimed to have not paid for groceries in years as they relied on their bin discoveries.
'You can save hundreds of dollars from one dumpster dive,' a dumpster diver from Lismore, NSW, shared in an interview.
Despite the enthusiasm, experts issued a stern warning for those engaged in dumpster diving.
Legal experts cautioned that while scavenging through rubbish is not illegal, the law has pointed out what constitutes 'permissible 'behaviour.
Only items that have been genuinely discarded and are in public bins can be legally taken.
'If you've taken an item that's not been genuinely abandoned, you could face serious charges, such as stealing,' Lawyer William Kennedy pointed out.
It's illegal to take goods from behind-store loading docks or storage zones if they have not been thrown away.
Trespassing onto private property, including businesses, without permission could also count as a prosecutable offence.
However, criminal lawyer Avanish Singh clarified that if items are in a bin meant for disposal, they are considered abandoned.
Taking these items should not be considered as stealing.
However, accessing a bin on private property without consent is trespassing, and that's where many dumpster divers find themselves in hot water.
Beyond the legalities, dumpster diving also carries significant health risks.
Perishable items like meat, dairy, and prepared foods quickly spoil and could lead to food-borne illnesses such as salmonella.
There's also the potential for contamination from mould, pests, or harmful chemicals.
Injuries from sharp objects or hazardous materials could also be a genuine concern.
Precautions like gloves and masks could mitigate these risks, yet, the dangers are still present for dumpster divers.
While saving money is vital during the cost of living crisis, so is everyone's health and the law.
.png){kind=icon}
