One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. That’s how one dumpster diver felt after stumbling upon several pallets of cold products in the dumpster behind a Target store.
“Im behind a Tar—this is still cold,” begins Tiffany Roach, 35, who goes by Dumpster Diving Mama (@dumpsterdivingmama) on TikTok, in a viral video as she grabs a pack of Sargento Colby Jack cheese sticks.
She peruses through one of the Target-branded boxes, which contains Sargento Balanced Breaks, Laughing Cow cheese, and Good & Gather cheese. “Look at all of it. Look at all these pallets,” she says, pointing to another box full of Simply Lemonade and what appear to be eggs.
She then walks over to another box her friend is inspecting that is filled with Chobani yogurt. “Are they cold?” she asks. “Yes, they’re cold!” her partner exclaims.
“I’m guessing their freezer went out,” Dumpster Diving Mama offers to explain why there is such a treasure trove of refrigerated goods in the trash. “NOTHING EXPIRED,” she adds in the video’s caption.
The TikToker says a sanitation worker came to collect the food as she was loading her car but she still got away with “a ton,” despite not having much time to dig.
“Found some sausage and freaking steak,” she says. “Ton of juices, ton of coffee concentrates, all kinds of drinks.”
‘Shame on them!’
In the comments section, viewers bashed Target for wasting food rather than donating it.
User Tracy Lynn Kling wrote, “I don’t understand why they can’t give to a shelter or some where that can use it.”
“These stores need to call food pantries or shelters and feed our hungry!” another viewer said. “Shame on them!”
Others said if they had stumbled on the find, they would’ve loaded up for themselves.
“I would call my whole family,” one viewer said.
“I’d take as much as i could fit in my car,” a second wrote.
@dumpsterdivingmama THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A REFRIGERATED SECTION GOES OUT. NOTHING EXPIRED. ? #dumpsterdiversoftexas #DUMPSTERDIVING #dumpsterdivingmama #DUMPSTERDIVER ♬ original sound – ᴅᴜᴍᴘꜱᴛᴇʀᴅɪᴠɪɴɢᴍᴀᴍᴀ
Is dumpster diving safe?
According to Superior Sanitation Services, “Dumpster diving exposes you to various health hazards. Dumpsters contain bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals. These can cause serious infections or illnesses. Sharp objects can lead to cuts, and you might also encounter pests like rats, raccoons, and insects. These safety concerns should not be taken lightly.”
Additionally, dumpster diving can be illegal. The practice might be considered trespassing in some places, and taking something from a dumpster may be considered theft. If caught, you may face fines or arrest.
The Mary Sue contacted Dumpster Diving Mama via email and TikTok comment and direct message. It contacted Target via email.
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