Dumpster diving is not illegal in most places but trespassing is. The act of digging through garbage and taking out the good stuff is not typically illegal in the USA but if the dumpster is on private property you may have to “trespass” to get to it.
You are much more likely to get in trouble for “trespassing” than getting in a dumpster. If there is no sign advising against entry and the dumpsters are not locked, then I say it’s completely fair game.
If the dumpsters are easily accessible and have a sign I still say go for it. But if you have to break into anywhere or hop a fence or a wall that is connected to the building, then I can’t say that.
It’s legal to dumpster dive in Columbus, according to the Columbus Police Department, as long as there are no signs stating that it is private property or the dumpsters are not fenced in.
What Is Dumpster Diving?
Ever see someone (most likely a homeless person) take a peek inside a garbage dumpster and pull something out?
That’s called dumpster diving.You can either panhandle or fly a sign for hours and make between $5 and $20 to buy food or simply take a quick peek into several dumpsters and hit the jackpot.
At its simplest, dumpster diving is the act of recovering discarded items that are still useable or hold some kind of value. Also known as urban foraging, track picking, scavenging, salvaging, or curb crawling, dumpster diving targets discarded goods from retailers, schools, homes, businesses, construction sites, or anywhere that useable products are thrown away.
There’s an art to dumpster diving that only comes with experience. But with some simple dos and don’ts—and a little bit of practice—you’ll be well on your way to becoming a dumpster diving pro.
The Dos and Don’ts of Dumpster Diving
Scout ahead of time
Plan your route in advance to avoid wasted time. Rather than aimlessly search for possible scores, scope things out before a dive.
Walk, bike, or drive around your target neighborhood and take note of which stores seem to discard usable items, when they take out the trash, and when the stores close.
Not Sure Where To Start
Florists, grocery stores, department stores, condos or apartment complexes, bookstores, electronics stores, office complexes, craft stores, hotels, furniture stores, and toy stores are all good options. Stores on less busy roads are often more likely to leave their dumpsters unlocked.
Check the laws
If you’re not sure whether dumpster diving is legal in your area, check the local ordinances or inquire with your police department. Many areas view trash as public domain, but it’s still important to respect fences, “no trespassing” signs, and local laws.
