Trashspotting
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Trashspotting is an outdoor activity that involves the observation and analyzing of curbside recycling and general refuse of a household, especially with a long-term view. In essence, participants wander through urban and suburban areas at regular intervals and look for unusual patterns or products appearing in the recycling or garbage of said neighborhoods. It is similar to modern activities such as urban exploration or parkour in that it uses a settled area for creative usage. Trashspotting can be thought of as urban analogue to hiking, or bird watching.
[edit] Origin
The term (presumably derived from "trainspotting") was most likely coined by cartoonist Chris Onstad, in reference to an Achewood strip where members of his cast performed the activity. Later, in the official blogs of his characters, character Cornelius Bear recounted an experience in trashspotting, and soon afterward Onstad started another in-character blog where some of the particulars of trashspotting were established.
[edit] Etiquette
Trashspotting is observation, not infiltration. One looks at visible trash on the curb, and it may be considered rude to rummage in trash or do other openly suspicious activities. As such, participants may opt to combine the activity with an evening or nighttime stroll, perform the deed in polite groups, or restrict the activity to safer areas where nightwalking is common. Photographs of unique objects may be taken, but it is a general rule to keep any incriminating or identifying elements hidden in images that include the producing household.
