Laws about dumpster diving

[MStephensky]

I am curious to know if anyone has done this.

I have found various recycling places around here, I know dumpster diving is the best way to get coupons for free. Yet I am curious to know if it is illegal to dumpster dive in a dumpster that is on county property. For example:

A local recycling center takes news paper as a drop off point, would it be illegal to walk up and jump on in even if folks are sitting there watchin you?

Mike

[motherofmolly]

depending on your area, this can be considered trespassing. if there are workers, i would just ask. 9 times out of 10 they probably will tell you it is fine.

[cyhick]

That is a tough question to answer, Mike. There might be an ordinance in your specific city, township, county, or state versus an area in a different location in the US. You might want to contact your local county supervisor or city hall to ask. As far as I know, it is not illegal in my area, but the recycling bins in my tiny community are covered and only have small opening to toss in paper goods, aluminum cans (we have a $.05 redemption in Iowa so this isn't utilized much), tin cans, glass, and plastic. If I happen to see coupon inserts, cereal boxes with BTFE or the coveted Kellogg's UPC or Coke codes, yes, I grab them if they are in reaching distance, but not w/o a red face & then looking all around to see if anyone saw me. The recycling bin is right along a very busy road & it is a small community. I know just about everyone & I work at the local hospital- gotta be careful.

HTH,

Tracie

[Wolfsnaps]

I just went today and took my sister. I looked up the laws for my state (PA) and it is not illegal unless there is a no trespassing sign. We dove through the side holes to get in (FIrst time I ever got IN one) and had a hard time getting out. My sister is smaller and younger than me so she got back out through the hole and I got out through the front where the lid is.

We thought going in through the side would be better because people couldn't see as easily. But then, when I got back out through the front, wouldn't you know a car full of guys was RIGHT THERE and laughing and I am pretty sure they know my husband. LOL.

Check to see if your state has any specific anti diving laws. If not, then just test to see if you have the balls to actually do it. I myself, though a little embarrassed at being laughed at, had a lot of fun and got roughly 40 inserts in about fifteen minutes. Bring a friend if you can find one willing :P

[jenrose]

In my area it there is a no salvaging law so it is illegal here to dumpster dive.