On Dumpster Diving

Ashley Speer

Mr. Neuburger

Eng. Comp. 102-106

3 February 2012

Essay Summary

“On Dumpster Diving”

            Lars Eighner’s, “On Dumpster Diving” describes how dumpster diving can be viable and useful.  Dumpster diving can be beneficial if the items found are carefully examined before consuming or using them.  Safe food can be found using a combination of “. . . the senses and common sense” (254) when determining if the item of food is worthy to eat or discard.  When dumpster scavenging, Eighner finds multiple food items still intact or not yet expired.  These items are typically useful and safe to eat if they prove to be in good condition.  Consumable items are also found outside of pizzerias or doughnut shops.  Most food found inside of dumpsters outside these shops has most likely been prepared incorrectly or is the victim of “. . . prank orders” (256), which occurs frequently.  Eighner’s method of dumpster diving can be a reliable source for finding food.  Overall, Eighner’s dumpster diving technique proves to be a harmless approach of obtaining nourishment.

Word Count: 172

Eighner, Lars. "On Dumpster Diving." Power of Language; Language of Power: A Collection of Readings. Vol. Second Custom Edition for Ozarks Technical Community College. Boston: Pearson Learning Solutions, 2011. 253-65. Print.