Toddy J where Do you go to get all this stuff?
The best places to go are grocery stores that have Dumpsters
Open a door or flip a lid, but try to be quick and quiet.
Avoid places that have trash compactors that look like this you will find nothing useful here.
*Places you wont find food are Wal Mart, Target, Buy for less.
*Try smaller places
*Make it a habit to look behind your local grocery stores to see what kind of trash system they use. If they have open trash bins get yourself ready to hop in!
Wont eating trash make me sick?
*I have been eating trash for over a year now and have never once been sick from it.
Do I Actually have to get inside the Dumpster!?
You may be lucky and find a dumpster bursting with food that you can reach from outside but quite often you will find better and more stuff if you climb in and start digging.
* There are a few important rules to follow.
1. Dont take any food that is sitting in dumpster juice
2. Inspect each item for visible rott, moisture, mold and bad tears in packaging.
(if stuff is dented or ripped its usually still good)
3. Always wash questionable items, like things next to meat.
4. Sometimes it pays do dig deep and rip open a few bags.
Shot of a full dumpster, too bad I was on a bike
When is the best time to go?
*I find its safest Late at night. Like a couple hours before dawn very few people are out at this time. since October Ive only been caught in the act once by some nosy store manager at Homeland. He threatened to call the cops but that's all. Before that I would go in broad daylight all the time. Just after a store closes is a good time to go also.
*Go on the day before trash pickup or anytime after a power outage other than that just feel it out with each location. I'm still trying to figure this one out.
What else should I know about dumpster diving?
*Have fun with it make it a group activity.
Two or three people is good.One person sorting inside the dumpster, one outside taking food to the vehicle and one in the drivers seat keeping look out is ideal. It also helps to have multiple people to sort and wash the food when the trip is complete.
* If you have time be adventurous and look in non food dumpsters like hobby stores pet stores etc. You never know what you will find. I know people who have paid rent with stuff they sold out of a dumpster
*Don't get discouraged you may find 3 empty dumpsters before finding an awesome one.
*take a flashlight, gloves, and old clothes.
*Don't leave the area a mess around the dumpster if you make one. Close the door when your done. We don't want places to start installing security cameras or putting better locks on their dumpsters. Keep a low profile if possible.
ToddyJ what if I'm hungry NOW!?
Relax, chances are your neighborhood has a variety of fast dumpster food options. Here is a guide to reliable fast food for freegans on the go.
Pizza
I have had good luck at Little Ceasars, Mazios, and dominoes. Look for cardboard pizza boxes.
Donuts (always a sure snack)
Photo taken after grabing 2 donuts on way to OKC arts fest.
*Try Dunkin Doughnuts, Krispy Kreme, or any other doughnut shop. I have never come up empty handed at one.
Bread Shops
*Panera bread has bagels and bread sometimes
Kentucky fried chicken.
They always have chicken.
(always give meat and dairy the smell test)
And Last, always share the wealth. Some have said America throws out enough to feed the ones who starve. From my experience I believe it.
Bands I'm listening to:
Agoraphobic Nosebleed
Wye Oak
Pomegranates
Aurthur Russel
toddy, this makes me miss the fantastic okc dumpster scene. california has nothing on oklahoma for delicious, "i can't believe they threw this out," dumpster scores. bless you for doing this important work. bless you.
ReplyDeleteyour ghost roomie,
jenica
ps: happy birthday