Dumpster Diving - Etymology and Alternate Names

Etymology and Alternate Names

The dumpster diving term originates from the best-known manufacturer of commercial trash bins, Dempster, who use the trade name "Dumpster" for their bins, and the fanciful image of someone leaping head first into a dumpster as if it were a swimming pool. In practice, the size and design of most dumpsters makes it possible to retrieve many items from the outside of dumpsters without having to "dive" into them.

The practice of dumpster diving can additionally be referred to as bin-diving, containering, D-mart, dumpstering, tatting, skipping or "recycled" food.

Furthermore, the term binner is often used to describe individuals who collect recyclable materials for their deposit value.

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