Life in Australia has certainly changed over the years. These days, every trip to the shops seems to bring a fresh wave of price hikes, leaving many of us feeling the pinch.
Understandably, folks are starting to think outside the box, exploring new avenues to manage their household budgets. After all, we’ve always been a resourceful bunch here in Australia, haven’t we?
It brings to mind the old saying about necessity being the mother of invention. As we navigate these challenging economic times, resourceful Australians are revisiting age-old wisdom and discovering rather interesting solutions to ensure they have what they need.
In the face of escalating living costs, many Australians turn to an unconventional method to fill their pantries: dumpster diving. This practice, which involves rummaging through supermarket and shopping centre bins for discarded yet still edible or usable items, has become a means of survival for some.
From fresh produce to canned goods and even household items, the allure of free groceries and goods is strong, especially when budgets are tight.
The trend isn’t just a fringe activity; it’s gaining nationwide traction, with an online community of dumpster divers sharing their finds and tips on social media.
Some boast significant savings, claiming not to have paid for groceries in years or finding most of their food through this method.
Last year, a dumpster diver from Sydney asserted that it had been years since she last bought groceries.
Likewise, a man from Adelaide mentioned that as much as ’80 per cent’ of the food he consumes is retrieved from bins throughout South Australia.
‘All I buy is my soy milk and bananas once a week,’ one shared.
A resident in Lismore conducted ‘workshops’ to teach others how to find an ‘insane amount of perfectly good food that is thrown away’.
‘You can save hundreds of dollars from one dumpster dive,’ he said.
Brendan, a dumpster diver who eagerly showcased his adventures on social media, discovered camping gear, new fishing rods, household items, cookware, watches, and clothing that had ‘never been used, with minimal damage’.
He once discovered a large stash of apparently intact Easter chocolates when stores threw them away after the holiday sales, which is something many divers will probably seek out at the end of the month.
The appeal is clear: one man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure, and the savings can be substantial for those willing to dive.
However, before you consider donning gloves and diving into the nearest bin, it’s crucial to understand the legalities and risks involved. Legal experts warned that only genuinely discarded items can be taken without legal repercussions.
‘If you’ve taken an item that’s not been genuinely abandoned, you could face serious charges, such as stealing,’ said lawyer William Kennedy.
The distinction is vital: items must be in a bin and intended for disposal to be considered abandoned. Taking goods from behind-store loading docks or storage zones, even if they seem unwanted, is illegal if they haven’t been thrown away.
Moreover, trespassing is a serious concern. Many bins are located on private property, and accessing them without permission can lead to charges.
Criminal lawyer Avanish Singh clarified, ‘If a person enters onto an enclosed private land, then they are trespassing.’
‘If items have been placed in a bin for disposal, then the item will be taken to be “abandoned”—this means that someone who takes an item from a bin cannot be charged with stealing as the item is no longer capable of being stolen,’ he explained.
‘The previous owner has effectively relinquished ownership of it. However, if a person enters onto an enclosed private land—for example, through a gate or over a fence—then they are trespassing.’
Although certain bins might be in public areas, many are on private property, like loading docks, behind secured gates, or in fenced regions.
In those instances, accessing the bin might still be viewed as trespassing, even if the items inside are considered abandoned and thus not subject to theft according to the law.
Beyond the legal implications, there are health and safety risks to consider. Perishable items can spoil and lead to foodborne illnesses.
Contamination from mould, pests, or chemicals is a real threat, and injuries from sharp or hazardous materials in bins are possible. While many divers take precautions, the dangers are not to be underestimated.
Have you ever considered dumpster diving, or do you have other tips for saving on groceries? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: How to slash your monthly grocery bill, per money expert
