Doing, Being, Belonging and Becoming in the Occupation of Dumpster Diving

Abstract

Background: Dumpster diving refers to the practice of salvaging edible food from commercial or residential waste containers. Although stigmatized and associated with poverty, recent public discourse suggests a shift towards greater visibility and acceptance, particularly in relation to sustainability and food waste reduction. From an occupational science perspective, dumpster diving remains largely unexplored. This scoping review aims to understand how food-related dumpster diving as an occupation can be conceptualized through the dimensions of doing, being, belonging, and becoming.

Methodology: Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, a scoping review was conducted. Data of nine studies representing over 120 individuals engaged in dumpster diving across Europe, North America, and Australia was used and analysed deductively.

Findings: Findings portray dumpster diving as a multidimensional occupation. Doing involved planning, executing and activities related to conserving the food. Use of sensory and cognitive skills as well as risk management were highlighted. Being was reflected in identity formation, values, choice, and motivations ranging from food insecurity to activism and enjoyment. Belonging emerged through shared practices, social connections and knowledge exchange, while also shaped by encounters with authority. Becoming incorporated changes in diets, environmental awareness, self-sufficiency, and wellbeing, alongside potential health risks.

Conclusion: This review demonstrates that dumpster diving can support meaning, participation, and wellbeing despite its non-normative and sometimes illegal nature. Recognizing dumpster diving as an occupation broadens occupational therapy’s understanding of human engagement and highlights the importance of addressing marginalized and non-sanctioned occupations, discussed here through the lenses of dark side of occupation, occupational justice and ecopation.