dumpster diving

or Dumpster diving

noun

1. the practice of foraging in garbage that has been put out on the street in dumpsters, garbage cans, etc., for discarded items that may still be valuable, useful, or fixable.

dumpster diving

/ ˈdʌmpstə /

noun

1. the practice of searching through dustbins for discarded but still usable or valuable objects such as food or clothes

Word History and Origins

Origin of dumpster diving¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Dumpster diving: Despite the rise of digital theft, some identity thieves still resort to traditional methods like rummaging through discarded documents for sensitive information.

From Salon

Easily available food from avian "dumpster diving," especially at fast-food restaurants, can prove lethal to the birds due to high quantities of salt, fat, sugar, grease and contaminants.

From Science Daily

Taught from a young age the importance of recycling, sustainability and environmentalism, Dambo graduated from Design School Kolding with a master’s degree in interactive design and has been a jack-of-all-trades ever since — dumpster diving for materials, building interactive street art and even taking a turn as a rapper.

From Seattle Times

“Oh, are you here to clean another toilet? Or do you plan on going dumpster diving again? I saw you with your head buried in the trash barrel. I totally Instagrammed your butt.”

From Literature

Fernandez recalls dumpster diving for cans and bottles that could be redeemed for deposits.

From Los Angeles Times