One mans Garbage........
A fairly new name has been hung on an old idea making it more socially acceptable. The trend is moving across the country. "Freeganism" is the science of recycling waste from business. I say waste not garbage because this is not trash. Many if not all business's have daily leavings be it food from Restaurants, Bakeries,Produce vendors even some forms of production and manufacture.
The dumpster divers of the past are the Eco minded recyclers of today. The major difference being respect for all parties involved.
Today's Freegan does not rip through cans and dumpsters making a mess, they ASK first then sometimes with the help (or supervision) of the vendor, will look for waste and replace receptacles the way they were found. Often eateries will understand the process and separate over run from true trash, it saves them and the freegan energy and time.
Now, it should be stated that there are some who will intentionally pollute waste making it unusable. There are LAWS unfortunately that restrict food sellers/producers from donating over run to such organizations as men's shelters, soup kitchens or other charitable groups. Sad yet these same groups may Freeganize those vendors for the same reason as a "private individual". This removes the responsibility from the business.
At times, such manufacturing will have scrap plywood (pieces) insulation or wire,pipe,lumber,paint (that saves the vendor the cost of disposal)all may be recycled and are valuable.
TIPS:
Always ask before you scavenge, be respectful and if refused don't get pissy. Say thanks anyway and be nice. The business is more likely to allow you in the future if you are a regular guy not a jerk.
Dress for success, if you look like a bum, you are likely to be treated as one.
Have a vehicle that is suited for collection. Piling lumber on top of your Neon with clothes line is unsafe and not very efficient. Have a pick up truck, flagging and stout rope/webbing made for moving such loads.
Ask about schedules and trends in production. If Thursday is a slow bread day, you may want to ask for the over run on a semi regular basis. Fridays are always good fish days at some eateries and fish will spoil quickly. Produce vendors will have "over ripe' items every day. (think pie)
Using (or reusing) waste is cost effective and helps the ecology and in some cases is fun.
Learn where to look for goodies, be creative and use your imagination.
Be a partner to business's and become a regular customer in their stores and restaurants. Spend some money there and enjoy what they have to offer on a RETAIL basis, this will put you on top of the freegan list. You may become so friendly that you are privy to items long before they leave the store or restaurant.
Recycling within the community is good for everybody. Don't waste what might be usable and in all other ways not only fit but fine. Filling our land fills only feeds the rats.
Watch your six
RJ
