Is Dumpster Diving A Crime?

by Value Dumpster Rental Hollywood Team | Aug 31, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

The term ‘dumpster diving’ was initially first heard back in the 1980s. Back then the rampant consumerism meant that people were throwing otherwise usable items into dumpsters. So-called dumpster divers would dive into dumpsters to salvage these items for personal use or profit.

As consumerism tanked, the number of people willing to dive into a dumpster to salvage items lowered. Today, this practice of dumpster diving is also referred to as totting, curb shopping, containering, skipping, and other terms. However, the practice remains the same, i.e. diving into the dumpster, usually one on public land. Generally, dumpster drivers will select a dumpster that belongs to a business like a department store or a manufacturing facility. After all, the goal is to find something of value, and so the dumpsters that are most likely to have these “valuable items” will be chosen.

Interestingly, dumpster diving isn’t just limited to dumpsters; it can also be small heaps of waste like that leftover after a garage clean-up or factory cleanup. If there is a chance that the pile of trash will have something of value, a dumpster diver will attempt to find it.

What Items Are Of Value to Dumpster Divers?

It depends a lot on the person who is dumpster diving. Generally, items of value will include but not be limited to the following:

Magazines and books

Dumpster divers will usually search for the latest book or magazine. Most booksellers will tear off the cover of unsold books and magazines before discarding them in the trash. However, these items can still be read but not sold, which is the next best thing for many dumpster divers.

Food

Many homeowners and restaurant owners will dispose of food that can be consumed. Usually, supermarkets and food markets will dispose of this food, which can be picked up for free by dumpster divers.

Stationary items

On average, households in the US spend $500 a year on school supplies and stationary. That’s where dumpster diving can save a great deal of money. People often get rid of stationary when the year ends, but that does not mean that the stationary is unusable. Backpacks, notebooks, erasers and pencils etc., are all worth diving for!

Many will also dumpster dive for computers, eWaste, wooden items, metal items, clothes, shoes etc.

Is Dumpster Diving Legal?

It is legal, depending on where and how it is done. It can be illegal in some circumstances. A 1988 Supreme Court Ruling concluded that when items are disposed of outside on public property, it is part of the public domain. So, everything that’s discarded can be accessed by a dumpster diver. However, it may be illegal if the dumpster is on private property with a clear sign that reads “No Trespassing.” If you’re going to dumpster dive, make sure it isn’t on private property.

Conclusion

The best places for dumpster diving include factories, schools, warehouses, supermarkets, bookstores etc. usually; these are places where dumpster diving isn’t illegal. Dumpster diving can, for many people, help them save a few bucks a month.