As the modern age continues to bring us its fair share of troubles, it's vital to remember that there is always a silver lining to be found. While some of us struggle to make ends meet or find ways to save on our grocery bill, a certain Lismore, NSW community volunteer has tapped into an extraordinary food source sitting under our very noses—supermarket dumpsters.

Introducing the unconventional world of 'dumpster diving', where desperate or thrifty Aussies are sourcing perfectly good food from the heaps of waste generated by our local supermarkets.

'You can save hundreds of dollars from one dumpster dive,' claims Andrew, our community volunteer turned dumpster-diving trailblazer. He has dedicated over a decade to rummaging through supermarket bins and educating others on the art of dumpster diving, an activity he believes could help anyone during times of financial hardship.

According to Andrew, the majority of the food he discovers in supermarket bins is still within its expiration date and is safe to consume. Source: Studvest

Determined to make a difference, Andrew has taken his passion a step further, hosting workshops in Lismore, NSW, to teach folks how to safely and successfully dive headfirst into the world of dumpster diving, promising a 'treasure hunt' for anyone eager to take part.

'I couldn't have imagined the insane amount of perfectly good food that is thrown away,' he told Yahoo News Australia. 'It's really shocking and disturbing.' Leading a local Facebook group to promote his upcoming workshop, Andrew extends an invitation to his fellow dumpster diving enthusiasts, promising an 'incredibly satisfying adventure'.

Dumpster diving is pretty much what the name suggests – scavengers sifting through other people's rubbish (mainly shops' bins) with the hope of finding something valuable or, in Andrew's case, perfectly edible food that has been carelessly discarded.

The legality of dumpster diving varies between council areas and is generally considered illegal in Australia, akin to trespassing. However, Andrew claims that police and supermarket workers often turn a blind eye when they see him rummaging about.

As food prices skyrocket, taking a toll on Australian households, the prospect of discovering free and edible food becomes all the more enticing. Andrew recounts his incredible finds, including cartons of unbroken eggs, milk, bacon, hummus, vegetables, and sourdough bread.

'Some people are concerned for health and safety... Maybe 50 per cent of food isn't past its expiry,' he says.

However, there are risks associated with consuming dumpster-dived food. Edward McCartney from Food Safety Plus warns against the dangers of ingesting food without knowing its reason for disposal.

'Perishable food would also not be stored at the correct temperature in the bin, allowing dangerous bacteria to grow...[such] bacteria would not change the appearance, colour or odour of the food,' he cautions.

Despite its controversial nature, Andrew stands firm in his belief that dumpster diving is an ingenious solution to the multiple challenges our society is facing.

'The thing with dumpster diving is that it basically appeals to universal values. Nobody agrees with throwing away good food while others go hungry,' he argues.

Alternatives to Dumpster Diving for Saving Money on Groceries​

While dumpster diving can be a time-consuming activity that puts one at risk for foodborne illness, it is not the only way to save money on groceries. There are several alternatives that can help Aussie shoppers stretch their grocery pennies.

Plan Ahead & Take Advantage Of Special Deals​

For starters, shoppers can plan ahead to take advantage of special deals. Planning a few meals at a time instead of generating a grocery list at the last minute can help maximise savings. Additionally, shop around grocery stores and supermarkets to find the lowest prices.

Opt For Budget-Friendly Alternatives​

Cheap items don’t have to mean unhealthy items. Try opting for budget-friendly alternatives from the store more often. For example, if your store carries a store-brand oats, it may be cheaper than the name-brand variety.

Meal Prepp, Freeze Food, & Buy In Bulk​

Shoppers can also try meal prepping, freezing perishable items, and considering bulk items. You can even buy produce in bulk and freeze it for later use.

Most importantly, try to shrink your grocery bill without compromising your health. While dumpster diving can be a great way to get food for free, it’s best to stick to safe, sanitary, and conventional methods of shopping.

Key Takeaways

• A NSW community volunteer is teaching others about 'dumpster diving' to save money on groceries and help feed disadvantaged groups.
• Andrew has been rummaging through supermarket bins for over a decade and hosts workshops to teach individuals how to participate safely and successfully.
• Dumpster diving is considered illegal in Australia and treated similarly to trespassing, though Andrew claims police and supermarket workers often turn a blind eye.
• There are risks associated with eating food found while dumpster diving, including spoiled food, incorrect allergen labelling, and dangerous bacterial growth.

Andrew's words of encouragement to give dumpster diving a try have sparked curiosity. Members, what are your thoughts about this story? Would you ever consider exploring the world of dumpster diving? Share your insights and experiences down below—we're all ears!

 

[IJH]

Definitely not!

 

[terri]

Diving in may be ok but I'm not sure I'd be able to get out again. It is a sign of the times. It is a way for some to get what they need I suppose.

 

[Ricci]

It should be made illegal to throw away perfectly good food. especially in these trying times. Why don't the supermarkets have a bench at the front of the store with these items on them for a gold coin donation, the money then sent to Food Banks to help them help others. It could be manned by volunteers from the charities to ensure the smooth running.

 

[mOiOz]

It should be made illegal to throw away perfectly good food. especially in these trying times. Why don't the supermarkets have a bench at the front of the store with these items on them for a gold coin donation, the money then sent to Food Banks to help them help others. It could be manned by volunteers from the charities to ensure the smooth running.

Well said Ricci...! Some countries allow shops to arrange donations of edible, unwanted foods.
Why can't we do that too?
First of all... we really need to change the 'dirty' words "dumpster diving" to something more appropriate like "fitting foods".

 

[Loubeauxarts]

I remember not so many years ago the local bakery would donate unsold items to food banks at close of trade each night. Then government, council or some such body ruled that it was against some health and safety law and forced them to bin it. Figure that one out, smh

 

[mOiOz]

I remember not so many years ago the local bakery would donate unsold items to food banks at close of trade each night. Then government, council or some such body ruled that it was against some health and safety law and forced them to bin it. Figure that one out, smh

Yes, I know... about 16 years ago I used to go to a bakery at closing time and take all the unused bread and buns to work the next day and give it to the staff. All this waste breaks my heart...

 

[SGH]

I thought that was still happening, why would there be a risk to one day old food? If people are hungry they will welcome any food that comes their way.

 

[Loubeauxarts]

I thought that was still happening, why would there be a risk to one day old food? If people are hungry they will welcome any food that comes their way.

Unfortunately common sense is a rare trait in a government terrified of offending anybody...

 

[Subduedshilo]

It should be mandatory that any unsold fresh food should be donated to the food bank and businesses fined for failing to do so!!

 

[perritykity]

Yes, I know... about 16 years ago I used to go to a bakery at closing time and take all the unused bread and buns to work the next day and give it to the staff. All this waste breaks my heart...

Yes, when I was a volunteer for a church, there was a few of us that would go to a specific Bakery and get the bread and buns & Donuts if there were any left & take it all back to the church for people to come & get..

 

[Cyberchook]

The daily waste of food, clothing and other normal commodities today that are dumped would feed a whole poverty-stricken village well every day if it was collected and delivered.
I ask some shops what happens to all that unsold food at the end of each day, and told that Charities pick them up each day. I find this hard to believe. A pacifying response more than a reality.

 

[LorelleD]

As the modern age continues to bring us its fair share of troubles, it's vital to remember that there is always a silver lining to be found. While some of us struggle to make ends meet or find ways to save on our grocery bill, a certain Lismore, NSW community volunteer has tapped into an extraordinary food source sitting under our very noses—supermarket dumpsters.

Introducing the unconventional world of 'dumpster diving', where desperate or thrifty Aussies are sourcing perfectly good food from the heaps of waste generated by our local supermarkets.

'You can save hundreds of dollars from one dumpster dive,' claims Andrew, our community volunteer turned dumpster-diving trailblazer. He has dedicated over a decade to rummaging through supermarket bins and educating others on the art of dumpster diving, an activity he believes could help anyone during times of financial hardship.

View attachment 21226

According to Andrew, the majority of the food he discovers in supermarket bins is still within its expiration date and is safe to consume. Source: Studvest

Determined to make a difference, Andrew has taken his passion a step further, hosting workshops in Lismore, NSW, to teach folks how to safely and successfully dive headfirst into the world of dumpster diving, promising a 'treasure hunt' for anyone eager to take part.

'I couldn't have imagined the insane amount of perfectly good food that is thrown away,' he told Yahoo News Australia. 'It's really shocking and disturbing.' Leading a local Facebook group to promote his upcoming workshop, Andrew extends an invitation to his fellow dumpster diving enthusiasts, promising an 'incredibly satisfying adventure'.

Dumpster diving is pretty much what the name suggests – scavengers sifting through other people's rubbish (mainly shops' bins) with the hope of finding something valuable or, in Andrew's case, perfectly edible food that has been carelessly discarded.

The legality of dumpster diving varies between council areas and is generally considered illegal in Australia, akin to trespassing. However, Andrew claims that police and supermarket workers often turn a blind eye when they see him rummaging about.

As food prices skyrocket, taking a toll on Australian households, the prospect of discovering free and edible food becomes all the more enticing. Andrew recounts his incredible finds, including cartons of unbroken eggs, milk, bacon, hummus, vegetables, and sourdough bread.

'Some people are concerned for health and safety... Maybe 50 per cent of food isn't past its expiry,' he says.

However, there are risks associated with consuming dumpster-dived food. Edward McCartney from Food Safety Plus warns against the dangers of ingesting food without knowing its reason for disposal.

'Perishable food would also not be stored at the correct temperature in the bin, allowing dangerous bacteria to grow...[such] bacteria would not change the appearance, colour or odour of the food,' he cautions.

Despite its controversial nature, Andrew stands firm in his belief that dumpster diving is an ingenious solution to the multiple challenges our society is facing.

'The thing with dumpster diving is that it basically appeals to universal values. Nobody agrees with throwing away good food while others go hungry,' he argues.

Alternatives to Dumpster Diving for Saving Money on Groceries​

While dumpster diving can be a time-consuming activity that puts one at risk for foodborne illness, it is not the only way to save money on groceries. There are several alternatives that can help Aussie shoppers stretch their grocery pennies.

Plan Ahead & Take Advantage Of Special Deals​

For starters, shoppers can plan ahead to take advantage of special deals. Planning a few meals at a time instead of generating a grocery list at the last minute can help maximise savings. Additionally, shop around grocery stores and supermarkets to find the lowest prices.

Opt For Budget-Friendly Alternatives​

Cheap items don’t have to mean unhealthy items. Try opting for budget-friendly alternatives from the store more often. For example, if your store carries a store-brand oats, it may be cheaper than the name-brand variety.

Meal Prepp, Freeze Food, & Buy In Bulk​

Shoppers can also try meal prepping, freezing perishable items, and considering bulk items. You can even buy produce in bulk and freeze it for later use.

Most importantly, try to shrink your grocery bill without compromising your health. While dumpster diving can be a great way to get food for free, it’s best to stick to safe, sanitary, and conventional methods of shopping.

Key Takeaways

• A NSW community volunteer is teaching others about 'dumpster diving' to save money on groceries and help feed disadvantaged groups.
• Andrew has been rummaging through supermarket bins for over a decade and hosts workshops to teach individuals how to participate safely and successfully.
• Dumpster diving is considered illegal in Australia and treated similarly to trespassing, though Andrew claims police and supermarket workers often turn a blind eye.
• There are risks associated with eating food found while dumpster diving, including spoiled food, incorrect allergen labelling, and dangerous bacterial growth.

Andrew's words of encouragement to give dumpster diving a try have sparked curiosity. Members, what are your thoughts about this story? Would you ever consider exploring the world of dumpster diving? Share your insights and experiences down below—we're all ears!

I dumpster dived with my niece many times, and took loads of still great condition food that should never have been put into the dumpster. Now they lock the dumpsters so no-one can get to it, and it all goes into landfill.

 

[MariaG]

OzHarvest is one of many great organisations that get hold of the food before it reaches the bins.
I am involved with a group that feed homeless people who manage to put many meals on the table for folk who are in need. Also, they have a grocery bag offering for those who can pick up goods to take home and do so whilst being treated with dignity and respect. There are a lot of good people out there.
If dumpster diving is the only way someone can put a meal on the table, then in the lap of the gods they go. It's sad that people have to resort to this, but it is the reality of our society.
Council members need a slap on the wrist too. Have them live the life of these people for 2 days and they might change their self righteous tunes. They should be talking about ways to keep food out of the dumpsters and getting it to people who need it.
I don't understand why organisations think it's OK to dump their food instead of picking up the phone and saying, we have groceries that are about to be dumped, where can we deliver it? Lazy is one word that comes to mind.

 

[mOiOz]

OzHarvest is one of many great organisations that get hold of the food before it reaches the bins.
I am involved with a group that feed homeless people who manage to put many meals on the table for folk who are in need. Also, they have a grocery bag offering for those who can pick up goods to take home and do so whilst being treated with dignity and respect. There are a lot of good people out there.
If dumpster diving is the only way someone can put a meal on the table, then in the lap of the gods they go. It's sad that people have to resort to this, but it is the reality of our society.
Council members need a slap on the wrist too. Have them live the life of these people for 2 days and they might change their self righteous tunes. They should be talking about ways to keep food out of the dumpsters and getting it to people who need it.
I don't understand why organisations think it's OK to dump their food instead of picking up the phone and saying, we have groceries that are about to be dumped, where can we deliver it? Lazy is one word that comes to mind.

Second Bite is/was another organisation.

 

[Ricci]

My husband years ago was the manager of Peters Bakery in WA, making pies, sausage rolls etc. They often had mis-shapes and stuff that for one reason or another wasn't quite up to scratch. He spent the whole of two days phoning round every charity in Perth offering them for free, all they would have to do is come and pick them up. They would be stacked at the door ready to go. Every charity declined if they couldn't be delivered and hubby had no spare drivers to run around Perth for free. He tried to do the right thing but no-one was interested. It all ended up in the bin every day.

 

[Catherines]

Many, many years ago I worked next door to a bakery in a shopping centre and found out that initially they were giving the left over bread to charity. Later I heard this system had been banned and left overs had to be dumped.

Fair enough, scratching through a dumpster could be illegal and there will definitely be health issues or even health risks and safety if food is tampered with after being put in a ‘dumpster’ (which is an Americanism, by the way), but surely governments can legalise the giving away directly from the supermarket to a charity if the charity can pick up. After all that food is OK to keep on the shelves for us to buy until closing time without being a health issue to us paying customers. So what is the issue with supermarkets GIVING the food directly to charity at closing time?

 

[Jarred Santos]

It's heartbreaking to read how even active efforts to make use of food on the way out were scrapped. I mean, it's one thing to get it started, but it's entirely another thing to stop it