Dumpster Diving at Dollar General (Ultimate Guide 2024) – Scrape Dude (2024)

Dumpster Diving at Dollar General is an adventurous activity where people search through the store’s dumpsters to find usable items that have been thrown away.

This can include food, household goods, and sometimes even new products. It’s important to know the local laws and safety tips before starting.

People do this to save money, reduce waste, and find unexpected treasures. It’s a unique way to recycle and reuse things that would otherwise go to waste.

So, in this article I’ll share details on whether it is legal to dive at Dollar general, and their policies.

Is It Illegal To Dumpster Dive At Dollar General?

Dumpster diving at Dollar General is not exactly illegal, but it’s not allowed on their property. Most Dollar General stores are private property, so if you’re caught dumpster diving there, it could be considered trespassing.

This means you might get in trouble with the law, like being charged with a misdemeanor offense. Dollar General can ask you to leave if they don’t want you on their property.

While some Dollar General stores might not mind people dumpster diving, others don’t like it and have even taken legal action against those caught doing it.

If you see a “No Trespassing” sign at a Dollar General store, it means you shouldn’t dumpster dive there.

If you ignore the sign and get caught, you could be banned from the store or face other legal problems like being charged with disorderly conduct.

So, it’s a good idea to check the laws about dumpster diving in your area or state before you try it at your local Dollar General.

This will help you avoid breaking any laws.. If a store manager asks you to leave while you’re dumpster diving, you should do so right away.

Dollar General Dumpster Diving Policy

Dollar General often has policies against dumpster diving for several reasons, including safety concerns, legal issues, and company regulations.

Dumpster diving can be dangerous due to sharp objects, broken glass, and unsanitary conditions.

Additionally, stores might be concerned about the legal implications of someone getting hurt while dumpster diving on their property.

It’s also important to note that the legality of dumpster diving varies by location.

Best Day to Dumpster Dive Dollar General

The best day to go dumpster diving at Dollar General is usually in the middle of the week, a day or two after the store has restocked its shelves.

This is because stores often throw away items that are no longer needed or have been replaced by newer stock.

It’s also a good idea to avoid dumpster diving on trash pickup days, as this can be more challenging and might draw attention from store employees or waste management personnel.

Here are some key points to remember:

1. The best times are usually nighttime or early morning, as stores often discard items at the end of the day. This increases your chances of finding intact and usable items.

2. Going dumpster diving midweek, especially a day or two after restocking, can lead to more finds, as stores clear out older items.

3. Also knowing the trash pickup schedule is important. Dumpster diving around these days can be less fruitful and more risky.

4. It’s crucial to respect the store’s operating hours. Avoid dumpster diving when the store is open or during busy times to avoid drawing attention.

Read Also:

Maryland Dumpster Diving Laws

Florida Dumpster Diving

Virginia Dumpster Diving Laws

Is Dollar General Private Property

Dollar General stores are considered private property. This means that the land and buildings where the stores are located are owned by the company or individuals, and they have the right to control who can be on their property.

It’s like a person’s home is their private property, Dollar General’s stores and the areas around them, like their dumpsters, are privately owned.

It’s also worth noting that Dollar General has over 15,000 stores across the United States.

Each store might have different policies or ways of handling dumpster diving. Some stores might be more lenient, while others might strictly enforce no-trespassing rules.

Is it Legal to Take Stuff out of a Dumpster

Taking stuff out of a dumpster, also known as dumpster diving, can be legal or illegal depending on where you are.

In some places, like California, there are no statewide laws against dumpster diving. However, different counties or cities might have their own rules.

For example, in Orange County, dumpster diving is not illegal, but you might get a ticket or, in rare cases, be arrested for it.

Also, it’s definitely illegal to break a lock on a dumpster to get inside.

What to look for while Dumpster Diving at Dollar General?

When dumpster diving at Dollar General, there are several things to look out for to make your adventure successful and safe.

Here’s a simple guide:

1. If an item looks very worn out or damaged, it’s probably not worth taking.

2. Be careful with food items. Avoid anything that’s past its expiration date to stay safe.

3. If the packaging of an item is damaged or tampered with, it’s best to leave it behind.

4. Stay away from anything that looks dangerous or harmful.

5. Look for products that you can use personally or that have a high resale value. Items like soaps, candles, chocolates, cosmetics, and personal care products are often considered valuable finds.

6. Dollar General has a strict policy on returns. Most returned items, especially those with damaged packaging, are discarded and can be found in their dumpsters.

How much money can you make from Dumpster Diving at Dollar General?

Making money from dumpster diving at Dollar General varies depending on what you find and how often you go.

Common items you might find include clothes, shoes, toys, electronics, and food.

While these items might not be very valuable individually, they can add up. For example, if you find 10 pairs of shoes worth $5 each, that’s $50 in total.

However, the amount you can earn depends on your luck and frequency of dumpster diving.

Some people who do it regularly can make several hundred dollars a month, while others might only make a few dollars.

It’s important to remember that success in dumpster diving at Dollar General also depends on finding a store that frequently discards valuable items.

Does Dollar General throw away returns?

Dollar General typically has a policy for handling returned items.

These policies can vary, but often, returned items that are in good condition might be restocked, while those that can’t be sold again due to damage or other reasons might be disposed of or donated.

Retailers usually aim to minimize waste, but exact practices can differ from store to store.

When do Stores Throw Away Merchandise

Stores often discard merchandise for various reasons, including damaged packaging, seasonal changes, overstock, or items nearing their expiration dates.

The timing of when items are thrown away can vary greatly. Some stores may discard items daily, while others might do so weekly or at different intervals.

It’s also common for stores to dispose of items after inventory checks or during specific times of the year, like after major holidays or at the end of seasons.

What time of day is best to dumpster dive?

The best time to go dumpster diving is usually in the early morning or evening hours when most people are occupied.

This timing helps you to avoid detection and confrontation. You should also check the trash pickup times in your city, so you can search through a promising dumpster before it’s emptied.

On the other hand, dumpster diving at popular stores and restaurants is recommended during nighttime for the same reasons of avoiding detection.