Reply #7: Some call soup kitchens to pick the stuff up

[Warpy]

but there are only so many soup kitchens with so many vans out there so yes, an astonishing amount of food gets wasted.

I never did dumpster diving for food and would recommend both careful cleaning and recooking of any items found in dumpsters. I have, however, furnished more than one Boston apartment out of castoffs I found on the street on trash day. I keep one lamp I found and rewired just to remind myself what a step up thrift shop furniture is.

Still, I knew people who gleaned back in the 60s and 70s who did quite well with it. As long as you're not particular and follow reasonable safety precautions, you should be fine.

Oh, and stay away from Officer Friendly. He tends to take a dim view of it.