Joseph Aubert – Economics & Business Editor

As the cost of living continues to rise across Canada, more people are turning to alternative methods to secure food and other necessities. One of those practices on the rise is often referred to as ‘dumpster diving’ and is a response to a variety of economic pressures. 

The economic pressures many Canadians face nowadays are driving this spike in dumpster-diving popularity. Inflation, combined with stagnant wages, high rent and tight monetary policy has left many people struggling to make ends meet. Food insecurity is especially common, with recent Food Banks Canada reports showing that reliance on food assistance programs has reached record highs in Canada over the past couple of years. Over the same timeframe, the small town of Lennoxville has seen the number of dumpster divers increase considerably. While this practice has long been associated with urban centers, it is now spreading to smaller communities, raising concerns all across Canada. 

For many, dumpster diving is a direct response to economic hardship. Many of those digging through dumpsters are the working poor or individuals experiencing homelessness. For them, this activity can be the difference between having a meal or going hungry. Research also shows that an increasing amount of students in Canada are turning to dumpster diving to save money on groceries and other essentials, oftentimes struggling to balance tight budgets with academic responsibilities. However, for local businesses and municipalities, the situation presents economic challenges of its own, whether it be waste management problems or health issues. 

The collection of recyclable materials is also on the rise, particularly for aluminum cans, which can be redeemed for cash at local gas stations or recycling centers. That rise in can collection can be explained by the Quebec government’s new deposit-refund program, which increased refunds from five to ten cents per aluminum can back in November 2023, as well as by the average Canadian’s ever-growing need for extra income just to get by in the current economic landscape. Can recycling not only help reduce waste but also provide a meaningful source of supplemental income, especially for individuals who are retired or facing financial insecurity? A local can collector who spoke with The Campus argued they were able to collect almost $200 worth of cans each month in the streets of Lennoxville, netting around $2,400 in extra revenue each year. 

Beyond economic motivations, some individuals engage in dumpster diving for personal reasons. For those looking to stay active, dumpster diving can be a surprisingly physical activity. The process of searching through dumpsters, lifting heavy objects, and moving from location to location provides a workout, adding an unusual dimension to the fitness routine. “I do it because it keeps me young.” said an anonymous dumpster diver when speaking with The Campus. “Of course, I started doing it for the money I get selling cans, but after a while, I started feeling better [physically] than I ever did before,” they added, highlighting the various reasons why people turn to such alternatives. 

While dumpster diving may not appeal to everyone, it can have great environmental benefits. According to a study organized by Global Citizen, a worldwide organization aiming at reducing extreme poverty, around 58 per cent of all food produced in Canada annually goes to waste, most of which ends up in landfills. It is then safe to say dumpster divers play a role in reducing food waste and diverting materials away from our already overburdened waste management system. 

On the other hand, the unregulated nature of dumpster diving can result in littering and environmental degradation. Waste can be left behind by scavengers, leading to pollution in local streets and waterways. 

As the practice continues to grow, local governments and organizations may need to consider more structured responses, such as expanding food security programs or promoting better waste management practices. What is clear is that dumpster diving, while sometimes driven by necessity, is not a sustainable solution to the underlying economic and environmental issues facing Canadians today.