Is Dumpster Diving Illegal In New Hampshire?

Dumpster diving is legal in New Hampshire, as long as the diver is compliant with trespassing laws and ordinances of the city or municipality. While dumpster diving is not explicitly illegal in New Hampshire, it could potentially lead to trespassing or unauthorized entry charges. The state has no specific laws prohibiting dumpster diving, but it is important to be aware of trespassing laws 163-B:3: Unlawful Activities.

In 1988, the Supreme Court Case California vs. Greenwood established that searching through trash is legal as long as it doesn’t interfere with other activities. Dumpster diving is 100% legal in New Hampshire as long as the diver is compliant with trespassing laws. Therefore, dumpsters on private land or property are off-limits.

There are no regulations forbidding you from diving into dumpsters on public property, such as garbage pickup curbs, in most New Hampshire. Whether you dive dumpsters during the day or at night, the constraints are the same. However, trespassing laws exist in New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Supreme Court has ruled dumpster diving illegal for the entire state.

In summary, dumpster diving is legal in New Hampshire as long as the diver is compliant with trespassing laws. It is generally considered legal for a person to rummage through trash left in a public area, but it is important to be aware of the legal and ethical considerations when diving.