The practice of dumpster diving has roots that trace back to the mid-20th century, emerging as a response to consumerism and waste culture. Initially, it was seen as a necessity for those facing economic hardship, where searching through commercial refuse became a means of survival. As urban centers expanded and consumer goods became increasingly disposable, more individuals began to take to the streets, scavenging for items that were still usable or edible. The act of diving into dumpsters transformed from a mere survival tactic into a subculture, with various communities forming around the shared experience of finding value in discarded materials.