Chapter 1: My Dumpster Diving Experience

Let me share a personal anecdote: back in the early 2000s, I engaged in dumpster diving in my neighborhood. It wasn’t a necessity—I had a well-paying full-time job. I’m not entirely sure how the concept first crossed my mind; perhaps I stumbled upon an article discussing the book, The Art and Science of Dumpster Diving.

A friend and I would meet at 5:30 AM to explore the dumpsters behind various retail stores and apartment complexes, which we humorously referred to as “fishing.” Sometimes, we had plenty to find, while other times it was a bust. We developed a consistent route through the most fruitful spots.

The treasures we discovered were astounding—items that were carelessly discarded. It was expected to find valuable items in apartment dumpsters at month-end, when tenants were relocating and decluttering. However, the most surprising finds were in retail dumpsters, where we encountered a shocking amount of perfectly edible or slightly imperfect goods.

Then there were the grocery store dumpsters.

At the rear of grocery stores, we found dumpsters overflowing with food—still good to eat, except for the fact that the “Best By” date was either that day or the previous one. We uncovered loaves of bread, bagels, tubs of yogurt, and even a case containing 36 bags of tortellini that were thrown out because maple syrup had spilled into the box (we also discovered the case of pure maple syrup with one leaking bottle due to a loose cap).

This was our bounty—clean food neatly packed in large, clean plastic bags, all tossed into a dumpster. Our grocery expenses plummeted, and our kids were well-stocked with school supplies.

The disheartening reality, however, was the sheer volume of waste occurring around us—and indeed, globally. What could be done to mitigate this unnecessary waste?

In 2016, Too Good To Go International was established in Denmark, aiming to combat food waste on a global scale. The initiative has since extended to 17 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, saving 100,000 meals daily from ending up in landfills. By 2019, they had launched operations in both the UK and the US.

In the United States alone, approximately 40% of edible food is wasted—equivalent to the weight of a midsize SUV every second. This waste contributes to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and amounts to $1.2 trillion in lost food. If food waste were classified as a country, it would rank as the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter.

The company employs a straightforward yet effective business model: they collaborate with restaurants and stores that have surplus food at the end of the day, offering it to customers at reduced prices through their app, available on both the App Store and Google Play. This approach not only helps decrease food waste but also allows individuals access to affordable meals.

To date, Too Good To Go International has successfully rescued over 100,000 meals from waste, with no intention of slowing down. In 2021 alone, the US saved 1.2 million meals from landfills. With ongoing market expansion and unwavering dedication to their mission, they are poised to create an even greater impact in the battle against food waste.

So, how does the process work?

Customers can utilize the Too Good To Go app to discover which participating restaurants and stores in their vicinity have “magic boxes” available. These boxes contain assorted food items that would otherwise be discarded but are perfectly safe for consumption. Customers can purchase a box and collect it at the specified time, usually towards the close of business hours.

Not only does this provide a fantastic way to enjoy affordable, delicious food, but it also contributes to reducing food waste. My dumpster diving days are behind me, yet I’ve found a new way to contribute positively—benefiting myself, local businesses, and the environment. So, the next time hunger strikes, consider checking the Too Good To Go app! Satisfy your cravings while supporting the planet and local enterprises.

Chapter 2: Insights from Dumpster Diving

This video titled "Dumpster Diving: Here, There, It's Everywhere" provides a fascinating look into the practice of dumpster diving, highlighting the various treasures that can be found and the experiences of those who partake in it.

The video "Better than DUMPSTER DIVING??? You WON'T BELIEVE THIS HAUL!!!" showcases incredible finds that surpass typical dumpster diving experiences, revealing alternatives for obtaining food and goods without waste.