By LawInspectsNo, dumpster diving is not illegal in Texas, but surely, there are some instances where it can very well become illegal, and the situation can go out of your hands if you’re caught doing this. When exactly? Well, to be very clear about this topic, we’ll advise you to keep on reading because the more you know about it, the safer you’ll feel while doing dumpster diving, especially in Texas. Here we go.
So, Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Texas?
Dumpster diving in Texas is not against the law in general, with a very short explanation. However, it is not allowed in any place, like you can’t just go anywhere and do this without any issues, that is not how it works. The location of the dumpster and whether the place is public or private land are the main factors determining the legality of diving.
- Public Place? In case the dumpster is located in a public place, for instance, a sidewalk, alley, or an open street with no signs or locks, then most time, you are allowed to access the trash.
- Private Property? If it is at the back of a store, in a confined area, or on privately owned land, and you do not have the owner’s consent to be there, then you are considered to be trespassing. And sure enough, Texas laws prohibit trespassing in the state.
Moreover, in case the things that you are removing are the owner’s property (legally speaking), and the items have been disposed of, you can be charged with stealing if you take them. Hence, it is not only about the dumpster but also the area and ownership as well.
Public vs Private Dumpsters: What Is The Real Difference
To make things clear:
- Public Dumpsters: Diving in dumpsters that are located in public spaces and do not have locks, fences, or “No Trespassing” signs is usually considered acceptable.
- Private Dumpsters: If it is a dumpster placed in a fenced area, behind a business, or on private land, then permission is mandatory to take a chance.
Moreover, in the state of Texas, landowners have the right to request that you vacate their property in case they find you trespassing. In certain cases, they have the authority to use limited force to get rid of you.
And Yes, Don’t Ignore the Risks
Let’s be honest, see, digging through trash isn’t exactly the cleanest or safest thing to do. There might be:
- Broken glass
- Sharp metal objects
- Spoiled food
- Used needles or other harmful waste
In the event of an injury to you during a dumpster dive, the entire liability of the injury lies on your very shoulders. It is out of the question to seek compensation from the store or the owner of the property, especially if the place is unauthorized for you.
In addition, quite a few companies are averse to the idea of people rummaging through their trash containers. The company might end up with a mess on the premises, their containers might get damaged, or even the issue of liability might arise. Hence, you will frequently come across secured bins or signs alerting people.
Yes, Some People Actually Make Money Doing This
A lot of people might be surprised by the fact that many have turned what used to be dumpster diving into a full side gig. Some of these people make some $3,000 monthly by picking up discarded items and reselling them on the internet.
There are even entire communities built up around such activities where people share their tips, post videos, reveal locations, and show their finds on YouTube, Reddit, and TikTok.
Thus, it is not only about getting things for free for them. In fact, it has become their lifestyle or even their small business model.