Is Dumpster Diving Illegal?

Dumpster diving is an odd practice that involves searching trash to find items that may be discarded by the owners, yet could be useful to other individuals. The practice goes to prove the saying that ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

However, the issue of its legality is a bit confusing and can open a can of worms. Experts at Starr Dumpsters have explained some complexities in this article so you will get to know precisely where your right starts and where it ends as regarding dumpster diving.

So, is it illegal to dumpster drive?

The fact is that dumpster diving is not illegal because items in garbage bins are in the public domain and can be accessed by anyone interested. This assertion is supported by a United States Supreme Court ruling in 1988 (California vs. Greenwood) which stated that garbage left outside an enclosed or private property is a part of the public domain. Therefore, it is within your right to dumpster dive

On the other hand, dumpster diving could be potentially adjudged illegal when you compromise the security of private property in your bid to dumpster dive. In that case, you could be charged for trespassing and in severe situations for theft/larceny. You may also be warned by the security operatives to desist from the act.

That said, you can see that the legality of dumpster diving depends on the situation under consideration. 

Therefore, individuals that are interested in dumpster diving should research about its legality in their municipality. Such information can be accessed through your cities website.

In spite of that, if you discover that your city has dumpster diving restrictions, you could consider other options or check out neighboring towns.

Other problems associated with dumpster diving

Fear of injuries

Though dumpster diving may be considered legal in some jurisdictions or towns, the practice is not safe. A diver may sustain severe injuries while participating in this activity. The dumpster owners are usually afraid not to face lawsuits when a diver sustains an injury. Therefore, they potentially restrict people from getting close to their garbage bin by putting up a “No Trespassing” sign around the area where the dumpster is located.

If you notice that the dumpster is inside a fenced enclosure or there is a restricting sign on it, we advise you should go for a public dumpster.

You may be charged for the following:

Despite the legal status of dumpster diving in most municipalities, you may run into a less than forgiving officer still be charged for the following:

Littering

Some dumpster divers leave behind a garbage mess after taking the good stuff from the container. Such an attitude is detrimental to the environment and very annoying to both homeowners and businesses managers in the neighborhood.

The homeowners may arrest and charge you for littering the next time you visit their dumpster.

Disorderly conduct

Do not cause a nuisance because you are dumpster diving by blocking sidewalks or alleys with your car. You may be charged with a disorderly act when the police are invited.

Though dumpster diving may be a little bit messy, if you’re unsure of where your next meal may come from, you may consider giving it a try.

As a dumpster delivery and pickup company that has been successful over the years, Starr Dumpsters has different sizes and types of dumpsters that will fit your need. Just give us a call.