City Research Online

Abstract

Dumpster diving is the practice of sourcing discarded food from supermarket bins or ‘dumpsters’. The practice of dumpster diving to source food has emerged in a number of affluent countries reflecting systemic inefficiencies in food distribution and waste management that are common across high-income countries. Addressing these issues is critical for achieving global targets such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12.3 (halving food waste). This research aims to identify 1) which demographic characteristics are associated with dumpster diving practices, and 2) which attitudes and concerns are associated with dumpster diving practices. The current research analysed data of the Food and You 2 (2023-24), an Official Statistics survey. Using the data from respondents across the UK (n = 5861), a series of binary logistic regression models identified 1) the socio-demographic, socio-economic and geography related characteristics, and the 2) attitudes and concerns associated with dumpster diving practices. We demonstrate that those who have a long-term health condition, children in the household, use food banks or live in urban areas are more likely to have started sourcing food from supermarket bins. Conversely, those who are concerned about food poisoning and being able to eat healthily are less likely to have started dumpster diving. This research provides an evidence base for policy makers to take urgent action in providing increased support and an alternative food source for vulnerable groups. Although this study focuses on the UK, the findings have broader relevance for global food security.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons CC-BY license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Population Health & Policy
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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