Dumpster Diving Guide: Where to Look & How to Score Great Items

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Learn how to find valuables and food, stay safe, and follow the law
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As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Though it may strike some people as an odd practice, dumpster diving, or scavenging for useful items in waste receptacles, is a great way to make sure that perfectly good items aren’t going to waste. Dumpster diving doesn’t require any special skill or equipment, but it’s good to be aware of some of the risks and learn the best ways to avoid illness or legal trouble. In this article, we’ll explain how to dumpster dive effectively while staying safe, keeping things legal, and more!

Tips & Tricks for Dumpster Diving

  1. Wear old, comfortable clothes and close-toed shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
  2. Bring gear to assist in your dive, like ladders, gloves, and durable bags.
  3. Take food and items you can use, and leave items you can’t use or salvage.
  4. Bring a friend and be on the lookout for police officers or store employees.
  5. Check out spots multiple times to make sure you aren’t missing potential loot.
  6. Don’t leave a mess behind; place unclaimed items back where you found them.
  7. Make a route and schedule based on the best times and the most lucrative dumpsters.
Section 1 of 6:

Dumpster Diving Effectively

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  1. There’s a good chance that whatever you wear is going to get dirty or torn, so wear older garments that you don’t mind ruining. Comfortable clothing will allow you to move around freely, which can be helpful for climbing and maneuvering. It’s also a good idea to put on a pair of thick-soled, closed-toed shoes or boots to protect your feet from sharp exposed edges. [1]
    • Wear pants and tops with long sleeves to minimize your exposure to unsanitary messes.
    • If you’re going to actually enter the dumpster, wear sturdy fabrics like denim, nylon, or leather and keep as much of your body covered as possible.
    • Remove any accessories you don’t want to lose before you get inside.
  2. Bring along anything else that you think might come in handy, like a pair of thick gloves or a small stepping stool or milk crate to help you get up into the dumpster. Night dives should be accompanied by a flashlight or headlamp to make it easier to see. Don’t forget to also bring some kind of spacious container to stash your discoveries in.
    • A durable canvas laundry bag is useful for bringing your finds back home.
    • Use a long pole to poke around in the trash until something catches your attention. If you’re careful enough, there may be no need to get inside the receptacle at all.
    • Flashlights may also be necessary during the daytime if the dumpster is especially deep or situated in the shade.
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  3. While you may be tempted to bring back anything and everything of potential value from your dive, it’s best to limit your haul to the things you have a specific need for. Otherwise, useless items will just accumulate and eventually find their way into the trash again.
    • Organize your finds into a few separate piles: things you can use, things other people might be able to use, and things you can sell. [2]
    • If you don’t find anything worth keeping, cut your losses and move on to the next spot.
  4. Dumpster diving is often frowned upon (even when it’s legal), so some police officers or business owners may try to discourage you from doing it. If you’re not paying attention, you may end up being surprised by random onlookers, employees, business owners, or even the police. Keep a watchful eye over your surroundings at all times, or have a friend or fellow dumpster diver on standby to signal you if someone approaches.
    • Spend as little time in the area as you can. Get in, get the goods, and get out.
    • Be ready to abandon your hunt at a moment’s notice if police or business owners arrive.
  5. 5
    Try pulling locks before writing off a dumpster. It makes sense that your natural reaction when seeing a lock is to assume that the dumpster is locked, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check it out anyway. Head up to the dumpster and lightly pull on the lock to see if it really is locked, as some padlocks may not be properly secured. If it’s not locked, prop open the lid and check it out.
    • Be on the lookout for any store owners or employers if you decide to do this, as they may keep the dumpsters locked to keep out divers or pests and prevent theft.
  6. 6
    Check out spots multiple times. If you’ve tried to dumpster dive at a spot and haven’t had any luck, try heading there during a different time of day to see if you fare any better. Stores tend to take their trash out a few times a day, depending on how much they have to discard. It’s best to check spots out multiple times to ensure that you aren’t missing any potentially successful windows.
  7. If you’ve removed anything from the dumpster that you don’t plan to take during your search, be sure to return it before you go on your way. While you’re at it, look around for other trash nearby that you can throw away. Try to leave the area as clean—or even cleaner—than you found it. [3]
    • Giving away your presence makes you more likely to be caught red-handed on future visits. It can also make it harder for other divers to access the dumpster, too.
    • The goal is to economize, not to vandalize. Don’t give dumpster diving a bad name.
  8. 8
    Plan a specific route and schedule after you’re comfortable with diving. Once you’ve gotten an idea of the stores that regularly discard goods you can use in your area and when, build a schedule to maximize the amount of items you get. This also minimizes the risk you face and helps you form a route with all of the items you need.
    • Know local store closing times, traffic patterns, garbage days, and police patrols; different areas may be busier than others (even at 2 A.M.).
    • For example, if you dive for electronics and you know the Best Buy in your area gets rid of their items at 10 P.M. every night, schedule a dive for 10:45 P.M. After finishing your first dive, make your way to another store that has items you need.
    • When diving, you’ll want to be mindful of the employees who are finishing their closing shifts. It’s best to dive after they’ve left the store.
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Section 2 of 6:

Dumpster Diving for Food

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  1. You can almost always find something of use behind restaurants and supermarkets. Cafes and bakeries are another dependable source, as they're required to dispose of freshly-prepared food items at the end of the day. Most of the time, these items won't have been left sitting long enough to have gone bad.
    • A good general rule is to start your search at a place that sells the type of food you're looking for.
    • Dumpster diving at popular stores and restaurants is best left for the nighttime hours when you're less likely to be noticed.
    • If you go to a restaurant, look for foods that are safe, ready to eat, or ready to be prepared. Avoid foods that seem unsafe or rancid.
  2. Things packaged in boxes, cans, jars, and wrappers tend to last longer than fresh foods because they receive less exposure to the bacteria in the air. These sorts of goods should always be your first choice when on the hunt for a meal. Look for items that are still in their airtight packaging, like canned tuna or individually wrapped granola bars.
    • Always check the expiration dates of any packaged foods you find while diving. If you find unpackaged items, inspect them for mold, maggots, or other dangers.
    • Avoid anything that's not sealed or has been previously opened.
    • Canned and dried goods (such as uncooked rice, oats, and pasta) usually stay good for several months after their listed expiration date. [4]
  3. 3
    Check the smell, look, and feel of meat or seafood to ensure it’s safe. When determining if your meat or fish is bad, executive chef Abyssinia Campbell says, “The first place to start is the smell.” Once your food starts to spoil, it’ll smell like ammonia. “The color is also a sign. Red meat and ground beef will start to turn brown,” Campbell says. If you have a whole fish, the eyes will be foggy gray, the skin will be slimy, and it will stink. [5]
    • Give any suspicious items the smell test. If you want to feel them out to see if they’re slimy, wear gloves to avoid getting your hands dirty.
  4. A bag of soft avocados or a case of mayonnaise may still be safe to eat, but you should try to find something to do with them right away. The best way to make various edible discoveries stretch if they're nearing (or just past) their prime is to incorporate them into other foods. For instance, a bunch of brown bananas isn't particularly appetizing on its own, but it will go perfectly in a loaf of bread or a fruit smoothie.
    • Cook as much of what you bring back as you can. This will kill off the harmful bacteria that reproduce when food spoils and may help level out stale and unpleasant flavors. [6]
    • Most types of produce can be canned, pickled, or turned into jams or jellies, effectively extending their lifespan.
  5. It should go without saying, but use your common sense—if you come across food that's noticeably rotten or has a foul odor, don't eat it. The majority of meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables that find their way into the garbage fit into this category. Though they're enticing, perishables are invariably the first to go bad. You're better off setting your sights on foods that fare well in a wide range of storage conditions and using your best judgment. [7]
    • If you do decide to take the food with you, double-check for signs of mold or tampering first, and be aware of the risk you're taking to your health.
    • Never consume frozen or refrigerated items after they've thawed to room temperature. This could make you extremely sick. [8]
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Section 3 of 6:

Preparing to Go Dumpster Diving

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  1. Before you jump in headfirst, it will be worth knowing the legal risks you face for reclaiming waste items from public containers. In most places, trash is not considered private property, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be charged with theft. However, dumpster divers can be targeted for other offenses, like invasion of privacy or trespassing. [9]
    • Dumpster diving is generally frowned upon in “polite” society, even in places where it’s technically legal.
    • If there are fences, locks, or “No Trespassing” signs on the premises, consider yourself warned. It may be wise to stay away from locations under tight scrutiny.
  2. You can typically find trash receptacles outside of major businesses, but you can also check out urban neighborhoods, schools, churches, and public locations like parks and beaches. To avoid detection, look for dumpsters that aren’t in plain sight. For extra precaution, plan your runs for the early morning or evening hours when most people are occupied. [10]
    • Look up the trash pickup times in your city so you can have a chance to go through a promising receptacle before it’s emptied.
  3. Public trash disposal sites often contain a wealth of treasures just waiting to be claimed. Having a basic idea of what's out there and where you're likely to find it will help you focus your search. Thrifty divers have been known to uncover designer clothing, valuable scrap materials, and even expensive out-of-date electronics.
    • If you’re looking for a specific type of find, the smartest place to look is at the source. For example, you’ll have a much better chance of finding unused beauty products behind a cosmetics boutique or finding small electronics at an office supply store.
    • Keep an eye out for old, unwanted furniture and appliances near dumpsters in residential areas.
  4. Willing yourself to climb into a hot, smelly dumpster isn’t always easy since most people have an aversion to objects that they find disgusting, like garbage. It can help to take a few moments to collect yourself before setting out. Remember why you’re doing what you’re doing, and keep in mind that you’re playing a part in helping eliminate unnecessary waste.
    • Dumpster diving can be messy work. It may not be the best pastime for the faint of heart or those with weak stomachs.
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Section 4 of 6:

Staying Safe and Hygienic While Diving

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  1. You never know what might be lurking at the bottom of a dumpster or recycling bin. Broken glass, rotting food, hazardous materials, and other types of waste all pose a potential threat to your health. Proceed slowly and cautiously while sifting through unidentified rubbish, especially if it’s hard to see what’s around you. [11]
    • Prop open the lid of the dumpster or have a friend hold it for you so you can work unimpeded.
  2. Trash receptacles are sometimes home to rats, opossums, raccoons, and other scavengers. When startled or provoked, these animals may be motivated to attack. Give the inside of the dumpster a quick once-over before climbing inside to avoid a surprise encounter with a potentially dangerous pest. Banging the outside of the dumpster may also help scare off any unwanted company. [12]
    • If the dumpster you're attempting to search is inhabited by critters, the safest option is to just move on to the next location.
    • Scavenger rodents are known for carrying diseases that can prove fatal to humans if contracted. Keep your distance at all costs.
  3. As soon as you get back home, hop in the shower to clean off any dirt and germs you may have encountered during your dive. Wash with hot water and antibacterial soap, and don’t forget to shampoo. Pay special attention to areas that tend to get missed, like inside your ears and beneath your fingernails. [13]
    • Prolonged or unsafe exposure to garbage can lead to a host of health concerns, so it’s important to shower immediately.
    • Contrary to popular belief, a solid personal hygiene regimen is very important for dumpster divers—arguably even more important than for normal people.
    • If you get any cuts or scrapes while digging through a trash receptacle, treat them right away to prevent infection. Wash and dry your hands, then rinse the wound with clean water and apply an antiseptic ointment. Cover the wound with a bandage. [14]
  4. Soak non-electronic finds with warm water and a strong disinfectant to kill bacteria and remove mold and other residue. Rinse salvageable foodstuffs like produce and packaged snacks with clean water, then store them properly or cook and use them immediately. After a good cleaning, most discoveries will be restored to top shape. [15]
    • Spot clean electronics with a washcloth and rubbing alcohol or mild liquid detergent.
    • Food items should receive special attention, as it can be extremely unsafe to eat anything that’s spoiled or contaminated. [16]
    • Upcycling expert Emily Zahniser suggests using the powdered Retro Clean to remove stains and discoloration from old garments. Soak the item with a mix of hot water and Retro Clean for 24 hours, then hang it in the sun to lift the stains. [17]
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Section 5 of 6:

Items to Look for When Dumpster Diving

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  1. 1
    For recreational diving, look for items that are useful or have resale value. These items can range from electronics to a pair of sneakers that the store needed to get rid of. If you’re recreationally diving, getting your hands on certain items can help you make money, do certain tasks easier (especially if you’ve found electronics), and be conscious of the environment. Those items include:
    • Scrap metal
    • Tables
    • Chairs
    • Bookshelves
    • TVs
    • Speakers
    • Chargers
    • Phone cases
    • Shoes
    • Air Conditioners
  2. 2
    When diving for necessity, look for items you need, like food or clothing. Look for items that can be of immediate use to you to minimize the risk of getting caught. Go to places that have things for sustenance, like grocery stores, corner stores, and restaurants, and look for food, water, and clothing. Depending on your living situation, you may want to opt for non-perishables. Nevertheless, dive for things like: [18]
    • Fresh bread
    • Canned fruits and vegetables
    • Frozen meat and meals
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Toilet paper
    • Toothpaste
    • Shampoo
    • Soap
    • Sealed water bottles
    • Lightly worn clothing
    • Sneakers
    • Fast food receipts (Some fast food restaurants offer reward codes on their receipts, which you can use to rack up points for free meals if you have the respective app.)
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Section 6 of 6:

Legality of Dumpster Diving

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  1. 1
    Dumpster diving is legal in the US, but local ordinances set limitations. Thanks to the 1988 Supreme Court case California v Greenwood , searching through trash is legal as long as you aren’t interfering with local laws. Some of these local laws include “garbage ordinances,” which range from state to state and require specific behaviors in regards to trash, like designated dumping areas and locked bins. [19]
    • Some states may take legal action if you trespass in those areas, so read up on the laws in your area on your town’s municipal website or talk to your county clerk about the legality in your area to figure out the best course of action.
  2. 2
    Be cooperative if you’re confronted by police. Don’t try to run away; you’ll likely be caught, and even if you manage to get away, the cops may patrol the area around the dumpsters to prevent future diving. Depending on what they were able to see and how strict your local ordinances are, you may face fines, tickets, or trespassing charges, so stick around, stay calm, and cooperate. [20]
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  • Question
    Can I go dumpster-driving in the trash at the mall?
    Adrian
    Top Answerer
    If there are no signs, then yes.
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  • Question
    How do I convince my parents to take me dumpster diving?
    Community Answer
    Let them know what kind of useful discoveries you can make and how many of them are still in perfectly serviceable condition. Reclamation is not the same thing as stealing. Consumer waste is a growing concern in many countries, and activities like dumpster diving, when practiced safely and responsibly, can help reduce the strain placed on the environment and benefit municipal areas where overaccumulation of trash has become a problem.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    What is the best time of day to go dumpster diving?
    Community Answer
    Try to go after the store's closing hours to avoid confrontation. Going before the store opens is not always a good idea, as the stock and receiving crew often work early hours.
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      Tips

      • Valuable items like jewelry and appliances that are still in good working order can be cleaned up and sold to pawn shops.
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      • Have a plausible explanation ready if you get caught, like you accidentally dropped your cell phone or you were looking for boxes to help you move.
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      • Wear a breathing mask or handkerchief over your face to filter out foul odors.
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      Warnings

      • Trash is thrown away for a reason. Anytime you come into contact with rubbish, you place yourself at risk of illness, injury, or disease.
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      • Never ingest any food items that smell bad or show signs of mold or decay.
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      Expert Interview

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.kellyelko.com/2013/04/dumpster-diving-tips-from-a-pro/
      2. ↑ https://www.wired.com/2015/02/high-end-dumpster-diving-matt-malone/
      3. ↑ https://blog.kragtbakker.com/post/3321213755/a-shout-out-to-eating-garbage-on-dumpster-diving
      4. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/do-food-expiration-dates-matter
      5. ↑ Abyssinia Campbell. Executive Chef. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/basics/cook/
      7. ↑ https://www.shareable.net/how-to-dumpster-dive-eat-free-fight-waste/
      8. ↑ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/food-safety-risk-isnt-in-freezing-but-in-thawing-experts-say/article15261778/
      9. ↑ https://www.wired.com/2015/02/high-end-dumpster-diving-matt-malone/
      1. ↑ https://blog.kragtbakker.com/post/3321213755/a-shout-out-to-eating-garbage-on-dumpster-diving
      2. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3626822/
      3. ↑ https://georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/wrd/pdf/uwp/UWP+Raccoon+Fact+Sheet.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/Mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5436a2.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/skin-injuries/cuts-and-grazes/
      6. ↑ https://garbagefinds.com/
      7. ↑ https://robgreenfield.tv/dumpsterdiving/
      8. ↑ Emily Zahniser. Sewist and Upcycling Expert. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ https://traveldave.co.uk/my-journey-into-dumpster-diving/
      10. ↑ https://www.greenmatters.com/sustainable-living/what-states-is-dumpster-diving-legal-in
      11. ↑ https://www.lexsc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/488/What-to-Do-When-Stopped-by-Police-PDF

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To dumpster dive, start by dressing in old, comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or torn. Next pack thick gloves, a stepping stool, flashlight, and any other gear that you think might come in handy. Then, search for a dumpster that’s not in plain sight, or surrounded by fences with locks or “No Trespassing” signs. As you look through the dumpster, remember to only take what you can use or sell. Once you’re done looking, put back the things you’re not taking and clean up the area as much as you can. For more advice, including how to stay safe and hygienic during a dumpster dive, keep reading.

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