A TikTok video is once again shining a light on America's retail waste problem.
In the TikTok, dumpster diver Bold Treasures (@boldtreasures) shows off an entire spread of products salvaged from a Walgreens dumpster, all of it still in its original packaging and nearly pristine.
@boldtreasures I love saving stuff from going to the landfills #snacks #foryoupage #free #dumpsterfinds #savingthelandfills #dumpstertok #dumpsterdivers #dumpsterdive #fypシ #fyp #food #viraltiktok ♬ Kawaii Aesthetic - LoES
The footage pans across dozens of items: unopened boxes of protein bars, sealed bags of candy, toys like bubble wands, and even medical-grade knee braces.
"I love saving stuff from going to the landfills," said the caption.
"Good find," said a commenter. "I really wish they would stop trashing everything and donate to the homeless and everyone in need."
Retailers across the U.S. routinely toss unsold merchandise for a variety of reasons, including seasonal turnover, slight damage to packaging, or the arrival of new inventory.
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Dumpster divers like the one behind this viral clip are bringing attention to just how much usable, often unexpired product gets discarded.
Every year, retailers send billions of pounds of food and goods to landfills, much of it still viable.
Not only does this practice waste valuable resources, but it also contributes to methane pollution, a major driver of Earth's overheating. For consumers, the video underscores just how much money is effectively being thrown away and how the public is often kept in the dark about the scale of the problem.
If curious about trying dumpster diving, research local laws and start small. Bring gloves, go with a buddy, and never take anything that looks unsafe or damaged. Many seasoned divers recommend starting with non-food items like school supplies or hygiene products before progressing further.
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What single change would make the biggest dent in your personal food waste?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Not buying food I don't need 🧐 And remember: even small steps matter.
Retail waste may be a big problem, but dumpster diving is helping chip away at it, with the small promise of finding a bag of chips along the way.
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