Dumpster diving is not illegal in Miami, Florida, but it falls into a legal gray area due to potential violations of existing laws, such as trespassing. The Code of Ordinances for Miami does not contain any specific city law banning dumpster diving, but the general rules about trespass and disorderly conduct are still in play. A call to the police department confirmed no specific law against dumpster diving.
In Florida, there is no statewide law that explicitly prohibits or legalizes dumpster diving. However, the legality depends on various factors, including local regulations, property rights, and the specific circumstances of the dive. Dumpster diving is generally legal in all 50 states, with the Supreme Court Case California vs. Greenwood ruling stating that as long as the dumpster or trash is found in public spaces, it is not illegal. Divers can be arrested or fined if they trespass or litter.
Drawing in dumpsters is technically not illegal in Florida, but it is illegal to trespass and steal. It is important to respect the general rules and avoid trespassing or littering. Diving in dumpsters is actually completely legal in Florida, but it is essential to keep an eye on your state’s house ban rules.
Diving in dumpsters is practiced by college students, like those mentioned in the question. It is important to be aware of the specific circumstances of the dive and the potential risks associated with it.
📹 Dumpster Diving LAWS What Dumpsters can I Dive IN?
This video is about dumpster diving laws and what dumpster can i dive in and rules on signage, laws, and security cameras.
📹 HOW TO DUMPSTER DIVE// Ep. 1: Getting Started!
OUR CHANNEL EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] ***Want to help SUPPORT the MISSION of SAVING …
Was just casually throwing out the trash during move out week at my university apartment and since the compactor was backed up, there was trash EVERYWHERE! I snooped through and found a working coffeemaker, air fryer, flat screen tv (with a small dent in the side frame but still works!) I was amazed at the many things Ive found and was able to clean them up and donate the clothes & purses & canned foods
I really wish I could find a article where someone explains HOW to dumpster dive. Yes, you climb in. But am I tearing bags open? How do I not leave a mess behind? How do you use the grabber to look for things? It seems like my questions are all very obvious to the experienced dumpster diver but I’ve never done this before and I literally don’t know what to do after I climb in there.
Started selling on ebay in March. I’ve been diving for free shipping boxes for some time now. I keep finding other items though. Things people just throw away that I can list on eBay. So now instead of boxes I am interested in actively looking for stuff to sell. Thank you for taking the time to make your articles so us newbies can learn.
I like to have a script for when I bump into people. I’ll use something like this “Sorry I’ll be outta here in a sec I just do this and recycle stuff as a hobby. I promise I wont make a mess” …most of the time they just say yeah sure as long as you dont make a mess! 🙂 Side notes: I prefer leather rawhide gloves for durability, cut resistance and water resistance, and you can wear cheap cotton gloves under them when it’s cold. Harbor freight has them for around 6 or 7 bucks a pair. A tote outside the dumpster to drop stuff into is handy too and it looks better than having a pile on the ground.
Loved the article! I might suggest that if you’re uneasy going alone, try to find someone else that is willing to help. We went earlier today. Got 7 – 56 ounce bottles of lemon scented cleaner and an almost full bottle of bleach!! Also, don’t go to some place if you don’t feel safe going there. Especially at night. Make sure someone knows your route in case. Have a cellphone.
3:00 I did my first lookie-loo today at a Sephora. The dumpster was full but all bags I could see seemed just like papers and cardboxes. I was too scared to go through them, ai lifted one or two but as all I saw was cardbox, I ran back to the car and left it as that for today… I know lots of times the stuff is in between the cardboxes from the articles Ive seen but I couldnt have the courage to rip the trash bags and see 😅😢
I am new to DD and mostly go to PetSmart and so far found cat food- dog food, not expired or cut open, fish tank, lizard lights, potty pads, crate. I found a “UGG” down pink comforter that was not cut but had spray paint only in one side. I washed it 4 times and its only bed now on the side where you cant see the spray paint.
I wish I had been more of a looky-loo and had felt more comfortable in my younger years between alley way, store, and curbside stuff destined for the landfill; for pure selfish reasons having nothing to do with being eco-friendly. My initial acceptance began with apartment and alleyway finds of table and pole lamps along alleyways ’cause i was moving often, had no money to buy lamps, a d had no reservations over leaving them behind. I did learn to fix wiring amd switch issues in lamps; also the art of upgrading when I cam across something better than what I had. I’ve never done actual dumpster diving except during moving week at university but have done plenty of looky-looing from the car, up close and personal, and actually retrieved some things over the years.
Great article Julie! I just subscribed to your website! I am a novice dumpster diver but I have done the lookie- loo as well as practically dove head first into a few dumpsters. LOL! I’m the one you might see hanging half in a dumpster with their legs flailing around because I’m trying to reach something I really want! 🙂
# HOW TO DUMPSTER DIVE// Ep. 1: Getting Started! * Know the law! Google search it, very vital. Good back up, risk awareness * Don’t force your way into a dumpster (no trespassing sign, locks, gates) * Find a dumpster, you might have to travel. Find one that works for you, one that gives stuff you actually want * Lookie loo. driving to a dumpster, run up to a dumpster, open the lid. DO IT JUST DO IT Fast and stealthy * Recon: When is the best time? What fits your schedule? Is there security patrol? Is there locks? When is dumping and pick up schedule? When are employees? When is there store patrons? When is store hours? Gather pertinent info * HAVE A PLAN: How much car/home space. You’ll have to clean lots! know what to take/leave? Different people, different things * VERY: Please have a plan, know how much space you have in your car and home. Know that you’ll have to clean up and process large volumes of inventory. * Equipment: 3 pairs of gloves, totes, step ladder, 3/4 prong rake, grabber (with a hook), hair cap, scissors, measuring tape, box cutter, and sterilizer (hand sanitizer, antibacterial) * Sustenance, hydration and fuel. Standard hiking food. HOLY WOW, THIS IS GOOD.
Have an exit plan and keep networking exit plans for each and everything you drag home. This is not to say you need to utilize them but that it is a good thing to have them in case you need or want to get rid of stuff. There are places beyond Goodwill and the standard charity thrift stores. While not dumpster diving, I knew a woman who picked up anything which could be considered an office supply, school supply, small trinket toy/ jewlery, clever box or tin, a d a young else that could be used by a junior high or middle school student or teacher from the free boxes at garage sales et al. When teachers were getting ready for school to begin in August, she would take her stuff to a particular teacher at the local junior high who would sort for thier own needs and wants then put what was left in the teacher’s lounge. After a week, what was left was taken to a particular elementary school teacher. There are a lot of informal places to divest yourself of stuff Goodwill will not take yet will use and appreciate what is usable.
(Emmanuel’s tip) Dynamic personal protection: I often have to dumpster dive with little to no protection, and a fast brutal transition to “normal” life. In these severe situations I have learned to: Use cardboard to your advantage. Even when you’re in the trash try to distance yourself as much as possible from it, take inspiration from nature, specifically animals and adaptive mechanisms. Before jumping in, I grab a sheet of cardboard and lay it on the edge, then I grab a thicker sheet and place it where I want to stand. That way I have a platform to stand on while mining. Furthermore I use the boxes on the inside as containers, and sometimes I use plastic bags to protect me from non savory fluids. (Yes I dump the nastiest dumpsters, this is info on how to keep yourself clean in a full suit even in a dumpster)
Gloves and a grabber wand people!! Trust me! And a razor in your pocket for cutting bags- And bins! Grab free bins to store the shit/ And keep your funds organized from the start or it will be everywhere! And def hood ass apt complexes!! There are 10 dumpsters of idiots living hood rich, the getting evicted on the regular cause they don’t pay bills! Lol Sad but true!
I want to find out how to dive without a police helicopter buzzing over my head or a police car waiting for me outside my house. Dumpster diving is illegal in my city and all of the towns and cities around me. Nowhere legal in Western New York. Honest to god. My first dive, a car pulled over to the curb near me as I pulled the first bag out. It didn’t stay long, when it left I shoved the bag back in the dumpster and left. Walking home, I was two blocks away when a police helicopter buzzed up the street to the dumpster. The second time, there was nothing in the dumpster so I walked home. And a police car was waiting outside my house. I gave them a nod as I walked by. I had nothing in my hands, and they didn’t stop me. Went in the house and haven’t tried it since. I’m going to get a police scanner. They are $32 and up.
Hi Julie loved the tips on dumpster diving, I always watch all of your articles & look forward to them .All of the tips you gave we already use,which was good ones . I finally started my YouTube website & got up the nerve to finally upload articles & I am impressed at the people I have met . Show the love & come over to my website & watch my articles & tell me what you think . Have a Blessed day, keep up the good work and keep on diving ❤️🙏🏻