Why is dumpster diving illegal (in the USA), when our consumerism wastes so much good stuff?

Question

Ok besides the @ssholes who go into it for information gathering to rip off people (like ID theft), the other side of dumpster diving is for free stuff even eatable food. I will admit that a lot of people throw away working computers by sitting them beside the trash been so it only makes sense that someone re-uses them instead of sending the toxic materials to go in a junk yard.

Answer 1

Since when is it illegal??? There's no law against picking up a computer that is sitting on the curb, waiting to be taken away to the dump...

Answer 2

OK,I'm not really sure,so perhaps I shouldn't try to answer it,but I can think of some reasons why it might be.Dumpsters are usually rented,so they're not public property.I know if you put something out to the curb for trash pick-up,it's up for grabs.It literally becomes public property.Dumpster diving might be considered trespassing because it's enclosed and/or rented space.Also,the concern might be because you can never really tell whether someone is just taking something,or if they're dumping things illegally.That can be a real problem,so maybe that's the main concern.Someone has to pay to have the dumpster emptied,and they don't want it filled up faster by someone else's trash.That's what I've gathered by working places that have rented dumpsters.Also,it's kind of creepy to go out to dump the trash and find someone in the dumpster.

Answer 3

It is illegal. Just because you are going into someone else's property. Think about it. Would you want just anyone coming on your property to dive through your trash? What about the mess it leaves. Don't bet people will clean up after diving through your trash. And all the many diseases you can get. Yuck!!

Because dumpsters are usually located on private premises, dumpster diving is illegal in some parts of the United States, though the law is enforced with varying degrees of rigor. The California v. Greenwood Supreme Court case in the U.S. held that there is no common law expectation of privacy for discarded materials. Dumpster diving per se is probably legal when not specifically mentioned in state or town statutes.

Police (and possibly other) searches of dumpsters and like discards are not violations; evidence seized in this way has been permitted in many criminal trials. The doctrine is less well established in regard to civil litigation. Similarly in the UK, while dumpster diving in England and Wales may qualify as theft within the Theft Act 1968, or as common-law theft in Scotland, there is very little enforcement in practice.

Private investigators have written books on "PI technique" in which dumpster diving, or its equivalent "wastebasket recovery," figure prominently. In Italy, a law issued at the beginning of the new century declared dumpster diving to be legal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumpster_diving

And ofcourse if it isn't against the law in your area to dumpster dive than its almost always against the law if you are on private property.

So you see you're &*%$*# either way.

Answer 4

You may be living in an oppressive area of the U.S. with regard to that law. In many cities there is a once a year 'large item' trash collection. It's when people put there unwanted furniture, big appliances, etc. out to the curb for collection. What a treasure hunt! These large item trash holidays and dumpster diving at renovations sites has been the best way for me to acquire great doors, windows and antique furniture to restore my own home and save tons of money.

Answer 5

Good question. But it is probably just to protect the people that own the dumpsters. If you went through my dumpster, and broke your ankle on the way out, and if dumpster diving is legal, you presumably could sue me for not making the dumpster safe to crawl in and out of.

Answer 6

I don't think it is always illegal. That might be just a local law where you live.

The Supreme Court has said that there is no right to privacy when someone places something in the trash and puts it to the curb.

Answer 7

Hmmm...i was unaware that dumpster diving was illegal. I guess it technically qualifies as theft. Although, at my town dump there is a place for unwanted items available for anyone to take.

Answer 8

The answer is because if you crawl into a dumpster and injure yourself the owner of the property would be liable if it were not an illegal activity. I get your point, but that isn't why it is illegal.

Answer 9

technically once somthing is put in the trash it becomes public property, so anyone can take it but be discreet about it and practice good dumpster diving etiquette, ( don't make a mess )

Answer 10

One of my sons found a good, working computer--and, a good, working big-screen TV in the dumpster outside his house. Another son found a beautiful, leather chair outside his.

My daughter found a futon and a couch (each in excellent condition) in front of a neighbor's house. So obviously, I don't think it should be illegal--besides, it's "recycling!"