One might be wondering why dumpster diving is made illegal by some stores since it’s simply a process where people check through dumpsters to search for perfectly good items thrown away by the store. The reason stores make this illegal is to avoid getting sued. Let’s know ‘Is Dumpster Diving Illegal at Walmart?’
In March 2018, Home Depot paid $27.8 million in a lawsuit when dumpster divers revealed the retail store was dumping batteries, electronic devices, and aerosol cans instead of recycling the items. To avoid a situation like this, many stores often prevent dumpster diving.
It is not illegal to dumpster dive at Walmart, but it is illegal to trespass at the store. You can only be allowed to check through dumpsters at Walmart if you are permitted to do it. Failure to obtain permission from the store can get you arrested or kicked out of the premises. Remember, dumpsters are placed inside the property so you cannot just stroll in without permission.
Dumpster Diving at Walmart
Dumpster diving at Walmart is not illegal, however, but it is illegal to trespass. Here are two important things you should note before planning to dumpster dive at Walmart;
- They have Trash Compactors
Due to the high amount of waste generated at a large retail store like Walmart, the store uses trash compactors to compress the waste; only flammable waste is not dumped in a trash compactor. This makes it almost impossible to attempt dumpster diving at their stores. If you have to go to Walmart to dumpster dive, then the best way to go about it is to ask for permission from the store manager of the store you are going to.
- Most Walmart Stores are open 24 hours a day
Most Walmart stores operate 24 hours a day. Along with that, the dumpsters are usually locked which makes it quite hard for you to dive. Just as explained earlier, the only way to go about dumpster diving at Walmart is to seek permission first to avoid being charged with trespassing.
Tips for Dumpster Diving at Walmart
- Ensure you have permission from the store before attempting to check through it.
- Protect yourself; go with a flashlight, gloves, thick shoes or boots, and a diving stick.
- Check out dumpsters in the morning or evening, this is usually when the stores put out their trash.
- Do not touch items that are not placed in the trash, to avoid being labeled as a thief.
- Ensure you do not mess up the trash when you are done. Always leave the site cleaner than you met it.
- Never dive barehanded, you never can tell what you will find in the trash. Sharp objects and chemicals might be in the trash, always wear gloves to protect yourself from such harmful materials.
Why do people engage in dumpster diving?
To understand why stores put restrictions on dumpster diving, it is essential to first know what dumpster diving is all about and why people engage in it.
Dumpster diving is simple the act of checking through wastes or unused materials in retail stores, industries, homes, etc., to find items that are of no use to the owners. Items found in the dumpster are often used by dumpster divers or sold to people. People often engage in this because they cannot afford to buy new items or wish to make money from selling recycled materials.
Items commonly found in the dumpster include; food, metal scrapes, clothes, used electronics, damaged goods, and books.
Pros of dumpster diving
There are some advantages associated with dumpster diving. They include;
- Trash to treasure; make money by selling items found at the dumpster.
- You get stuff for free, helping you save money.
- You help the stores by clearing their trash
Cons
- It is unhealthy, you can get infected by going through the dumpster without wearing the proper gear.
- You can be arrested for trespassing.
Places you can go dumpster diving
You can always go to residential homes, retail stores, residential dumpsters, bookstores, toy stores, electronics stores, discount stores, motels, and hotels to get fresh trash.
Conclusion
Dumpster diving is a way of generating cash from the trash. It is not illegal in the United States; all you need is to get the permission of the owner of the dumpster then you are free to dive for trash. Unlike Walmart, some stores do not allow dumpster diving, so remember to find out if it is allowed before attempting to dive in.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get arrested for dumpster diving at Walmart?
You cannot get arrested for dumpster diving with permission, you can only get arrested if you trespass.
2. When is it good to dumpster dive?
The best time to dumpster dive is in the morning and evening, this is when the trash is usually taken out.
