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Dumpster-diving is yet another way to divert waste from landfills, but this practice is not without controversy.
This practice is pretty self-explanatory, but does not necessarily involve diving headlong into a trash bin. Usually it involves a person standing outside a bin and looking through the trash for something in particular. Sometimes people are looking for food or discarded yet usable items. However, there are those that look for materials with personal details, to be used for various purposes.
For example, journalists have been known to “take the plunge” and Dumpster-dive to get information about a particular story. Law enforcement officials can pick through trash to uncover incriminating evidence. Still others have found documents with sensitive personal information and have used that information to steal another person’s identity.
Still others use Dumpster-diving as a way to get food or supplies, especially if they do not have the financial means to buy all that they need. A staggering amount of food is thrown away from grocery stores and supermarkets every day, and lots of it is still perfectly edible–if not entirely appealing. Keep in mind that getting your food from a Dumpster is quite risky business and I personally do not advocate this practice, but it does provide a food source for some people.
Dumpster-diving has a dubious legal status. In most places, taking someone else’s waste is not considered illegal. However, if a person is caught picking through a Dumpster on private property, they can generally be threatened with a trespassing charge.
Answer two of the following questions:
What are your personal feelings about dumpster-diving? Is it ethical, unethical, or are you unsure?
If you saw a Dumpster filled with usable items in good condition, would you be tempted to take anything?
Do you think a person’s waste should be considered their personal property, even if they don’t want it anymore? What kind of consequences could this have?
