It’s no secret that the economy has been struggling for the past few years. And with the current state of the pandemic, many people are struggling to make ends meet. That’s why more and more people are resorting to dumpster diving—scavenging through trash for items that can be reused or recycled. While this may seem like a last-ditch effort, for some people, it’s a way to make a little extra money or get necessary items for free. In this article, we will explore dumpster diving at Dollar General—one of the most popular places to do so. We will discuss what items you can find and how to best go about getting them.
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Dumpster Diving at Dollar General
Dollar General is a variety store chain that sells discounted items. It is similar to a dollar store, but with a wider range of merchandise. The company was founded in 1939 and today operates over 15,000 stores across the United States.
Dollar General offers both food and non-food items at low prices. shoppers can find everything from groceries and cleaning supplies to toys and electronics. The company also offers a selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories for the whole family. Moreover, Dollar General is known for its “no frills” approach to retailing. The stores are typically small and cramped, with limited customer service. However, shoppers can often find good deals on items that they need or want.
When you dumpster dive at Dollar General, you can find some great free items that you may need or want. You can also find some food items. You never know what you might find when you dumpster dive at Dollar General, so it is always worth a try.
Related: Dumpster Diving at Dollar Tree: A Comprehensive GuideIs it illegal to Dumpster Dive at Dollar General?
Dumpster diving is not technically illegal, but it is not entertained on the premises of Dollar General. Keep in mind that the majority of Dollar General stores are considered private property. Dumpster diving, or scavenging through commercial trash bins for discarded items, is considered trespassing in most states. That means if you’re caught dumpster diving at Dollar General, you could be charged with a misdemeanor offense. They have the right to ask you to leave if they don’t like you being on their property.
While some people see dumpster diving as a way to score free stuff, it’s important to remember that it’s still technically stealing. And while some Dollar General stores may turn a blind eye to the practice, others are cracked down on it and have even pursued charges against those who were caught in the act.
As a result, keep an eye out for prominent trespassing warning signs at the Dollar General location. If you don’t see one, it’s a green light. If you entered the Dollar General dumpster despite the clearly visible No Trespassing sign, you could be charged with trespassing. This could result in a permanent ban. You could be charged with disorderly conduct, illegal dumping, and other offenses in the worst-case scenario.
As a result, if someone from management asks you to leave while garbage diving at Dollar General, you must immediately comply.
I also suggest that you look into the trash diving laws and regulations in your area and/or state. This will keep you from breaking any laws while dumpster diving at your local Dollar General. You can use the search box below to peek at the dumpster diving laws in your state or city.
What is the best time to Dumpster Dive at Dollar General?
The best time to dumpster dive at Dollar General is after the store has closed for the night. This is when the dumpsters are typically full of usable items that have been discarded by the store. You may find items such as clothing, food, toys, and other household items in the dumpsters.
Weekends are also perfect for going through the dumpsters at Dollar General. Dollar General expects the most returns and refunds on weekends because the store is busiest then. You should anticipate seeing a lot of returned products at their dumpsters on weekends, as we all know they discard returns with damaged packaging.
What to look for while Dumpster Diving at Dollar General?
When dumpster diving at Dollar General, there are a few things to keep an eye out for. First, look for any obvious signs of damage or wear and tear. If the item looks like it has been through a lot, it probably isn’t worth taking. Second, check for expiration dates. Any food that is past its expiration date should be avoided. Third, take a close look at the packaging. If it looks like it has been damaged or tampered with in any way, it is best to leave it behind. Lastly, if you see anything that looks dangerous or hazardous, don’t take it!
Your needs will dictate what to search for in a Dollar General dumpster. Some people go to Dollar General dumpster diving in the hopes of selling the items they find. Some people might like to use these merchandise for personal use, while others would like to sell them.
Look for products with a high resale value or items that would be useful in general. Soaps, candles, chocolates, cosmetics, scents, and other personal care products are all considered gems while garbage diving at Dollar General.
Does Dollar General throw away returns?
When it comes to returns, Dollar General is pretty lenient. They accept returns on most items within 30 days of purchase, as long as you have a receipt. However, if an item is returned without a receipt, they will only give you store credit.
So, what happens to all of those returned items? Well, Dollar General has a pretty strict policy when it comes to returns. All returned items are sent back to the manufacturer, no questions asked. This means that any defective or damaged items are immediately removed from store shelves and are not put back on sale.
This policy may seem a bit harsh, but it does ensure that all products sold in Dollar General stores are of the highest quality. So, if you’re ever considering dumpster diving at Dollar General, you can find a lot of products with damaged packaging at the dumpster, usually located behind the store.
How much money can you make from Dumpster Diving at Dollar General?
In order to make money dumpster diving at Dollar General, you will need to find a store that consistently throws away valuable items. Once you’ve found a store, you will need to dive into the dumpster and sort through the items to find anything of value. To increase your chances of finding valuable items, it’s a good idea to dumpster dive at night when the store is closed and there is less chance of being caught.
Some of the most common items that are worth money that you can find in a Dollar General dumpster include: clothes, shoes, toys, electronics, and food. While most of these items may not be worth a lot of money individually, if you can find a lot of them it can add up quickly. For example, if you find 10 pairs of shoes that are each worth $5, that’s $50 worth of merchandise!
Of course, the amount of money you can make dumpster diving at Dollar General depends on how often you go and how lucky you are in finding valuable items. Some people who dumpster dive regularly can make several hundred dollars per month, while others may only make a few dollars here and there. Ultimately, it’s up to you how much money you want to make. But remember, the more time you spend dumpster diving, the more likely you are to find something valuable!
Final Thoughts
As I mentioned before, dumpster diving can be a great way to save money on groceries. However, it is important to remember that not all stores are created equal. While Dollar General may be a great place to find free items, some stores are better than others.
When dumpster diving, always be sure to check the expiration dates on food items and be sure to wash produce thoroughly. Also, be aware that some stores will throw away perfectly good food simply because it doesn’t meet their aesthetic standards. With that being said, dumpster diving at Dollar General is a great way to save money and get some good food!
