Dumpster diver faces fine for retrieving discarded snacks in Kristiansund

Nils Jørgen Selbekk, an experienced dumpster diver, faced an unexpected situation during a visit to Kristiansund in early August. While searching through a locked trash bin behind a Europris store, he managed to retrieve around 20 bags of potato chips. Despite his satisfaction with the find, a security guard approached him and instructed him to return the snacks to the bin.

When Selbekk refused, the security guard called the police. Initially, Selbekk offered the chips to the guard, who declined. Shortly after, Selbekk received a surprising ticket for 3,000 kroner (about $320) for theft.

In his view, it’s peculiar that salvaging food from the trash is considered a crime. According to him, the items had already been discarded, and he argued that it seemed wasteful to let food go uneaten. Europris’s CEO confirmed that the company reported the incident, framing it as theft because the bin was locked. He added that dumpster diving poses safety risks to individuals, as they may encounter hazardous materials.

Selbekk, however, is determined to contest the fine, pointing out that Europris acknowledged the items were past their expiration date, which he believes should render them worthless. He questioned how one could steal something deemed valueless, expressing uncertainty about the next steps in the legal process.