Rummaging through dumpsters for discarded items may seem unappealing to some, but for others it’s a hobby, a sport, and even a way of life. In New Jersey, dumpster diving occupies a legal gray area that leaves many wondering – is it legal or not? While the laws are somewhat ambiguous, dumpster diving does have a dedicated following in the Garden State. From college students furnishing their dorms with dumped treasures to freegans reducing waste, New Jersey has no shortage of divers.
In this article, we’ll examine the murky legalities around dumpster diving in New Jersey and spotlight some of the state’s hot spots that seasoned divers swear by for finding perfectly good food, furniture, tech items and more, free for the taking. You’ll also learn tips from veteran divers for how to stay safe and clean while dumpster diving, plus hear first-hand accounts of their most exciting “hauls.” So grab your gloves and join us as we delve into the world of dumpster diving, New Jersey style!
Is Dumpster Diving Legal in New Jersey?
The legality of dumpster diving in New Jersey depends on a few key factors. At the state level, there are currently no laws that explicitly prohibit the act of dumpster diving. However, there are several laws related to trespassing and theft that can impact divers.
The most relevant law is NJ Statute 2C:18-3, which prohibits trespassing on private property without permission. This means that divers cannot legally go onto private property (such as behind a store or restaurant) to access a dumpster without the owner’s consent. If caught, divers may be charged with defiant trespass which can result in fines or even jail time.
Differences in local ordinances can also affect the legality from town to town. For example, some municipalities like Princeton and Hoboken have additional regulations prohibiting rummaging through residential or commercial dumpsters. Divers caught dumpster diving in these areas could face citations or fines.
While dumpster diving itself is not illegal according to state laws, divers must be cautious not to trespass or steal any materials that are not clearly abandoned. Items that are obviously disposed of like spoiled food or empty containers are generally acceptable to take. However, confidential documents, electronics, or other goods that appear intentionally donated or recycled could still be considered theft.
The bottom line is that dumpster diving occurs in a legal gray area in New Jersey. While not directly outlawed, certain aspects of dumpster diving could violate laws related to trespassing or theft. Divers should research local ordinances and always avoid trespassing on private property or taking items that do not seem clearly discarded. Using common sense is the best way to avoid legal trouble.
Best Places For Dumpster Diving in New Jersey
New Jersey has many prime dumpster diving locations thanks to its dense population and thriving commercial areas. Based on reviews from the dumpster diving community, here are some of the top-rated spots:
Grocery Store Dumpsters
Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Aldi consistently rank as some of the best sources for edible foods and produce past its sell-by date. Their dumpsters can yield “huge scores” of still-fresh and tasty foods. Locations in central NJ suburbs seem to be especially target-rich.
Bakery Dumpsters
Bakery dumpsters are prime targets in NJ. Many divers report finding large amounts of baked goods that are still sealed, a day or two past their sell-by date. Popular bakery dumpster diving spots are scattered throughout the state.
College Campus Dumpsters
College campuses generate a massive amount of waste and perfectly good discarded items. Move-out periods are particularly fruitful times to scour the dumpsters for furniture, mini-fridges, clothes, and more. Rutgers and Princeton University have been called the “Holy Grail” thanks to their affluent student body.
Drug Store Dumpsters
Chain drug stores frequently toss out expired but still potent OTC medications, vitamins, beauty products, and more. Dumpsters behind CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart have yielded inventory ranging from condoms and pregnancy tests to expensive face creams.
Office Building Dumpsters
The dumpsters of office buildings and corporate parks can turn up lightly used office supplies, small electronics, and more. Tech company dumpsters can have discarded computers and equipment. Times to check are before/after holidays and office move-outs.
Residential Neighborhood Dumpsters
Even residential dumpsters can generate finds from household decluttering and cleaning out projects. Estates sales and pre-move purge periods are best. Appliances, furniture, tools, sports gear are commonly tossed.
In summary, NJ offers a wide selection of dumpster diving hot spots. One can uncover surprising treasures with some research on location patterns and willingness to dig through the dumps. Always adhere to safety and legal precautions when exploring new dumpster diving sources in the area.
Dumpster Diving Safety Measures
When dumpster diving, it’s important to take proper safety precautions. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Look Out for No Trespassing Signs
Before climbing into any dumpster, check the surrounding area for “No Trespassing” signs or other indications that you do not have permission to access the dumpster. Dumpster diving on private property without permission could be considered trespassing. Only scavenge in dumpsters located in public areas or where you have explicit permission.
Wear Protective Gear
It’s a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects. Close-toed shoes are also recommended to avoid injuries from broken glass or other debris. Consider wearing longer pants and sleeves as well to minimize contact with bacteria. A headlamp can be useful for peering into dark dumpsters.
Climb In and Out Carefully
Use caution when climbing in and out of dumpsters. If a dumpster has high walls, use sturdy boxes or crates as makeshift stairs. Avoid trying to hoist yourself over high dumpster walls to prevent falls and injuries. Be mindful of any wet or slippery surfaces. Bring along an emergency first aid kit in case of cuts or other minor accidents.
Watch for Hazards
Keep an eye out for hazardous materials, rotting food waste, unbagged garbage, diapers, needles or anything else that could pose a health risk. Don’t open up bags of mystery substances. If you see signs of anything dangerous, steer clear. It’s not worth jeopardizing your health and safety.
With the proper precautions, dumpster diving can be done relatively safely. But it’s always smart to error on the side of caution when scavenging through waste. Make sure to trust your instincts and don’t take unnecessary risks just to score free goods. Stay safe above all else.
Risks and Misconceptions about Dumpster Diving
Dumpster diving is often negatively stereotyped as an activity reserved for the homeless or those who cannot afford food. However, many people dumpster dive for the adventure of finding free items or as a way to reduce waste. Still, there are some real risks and stigmas associated with dumpster diving that should be acknowledged.
Health risks
Dumpster diving does carry some health risks that should be taken seriously. Dumpsters can contain broken glass, sharp metal edges, and other items that could potentially cause cuts or injury. Divers should wear thick gloves and shoes to protect themselves.
There is also a risk of exposure to contaminated, rotten, or spoiled food. Consuming such discarded food could result in food poisoning or other illnesses. Divers should thoroughly inspect all packaged food items and never eat anything that appears expired or unsanitary.
Beyond physical health risks, dumpsters can also harbor germs, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Divers should be cautious about items that have come into contact with garbage or dirt. Proper sterilization and cleaning of any collected items is crucial.
Stereotypes of divers
There is often a stereotype that all dumpster divers are homeless, extremely frugal, or outright broke. In reality, people from many backgrounds, income levels, and walks of life dumpster dive. While some divers dumpster dive out of necessity, many do it by choice as a hobby, for environmental reasons, or for the thrill of finding hidden treasures.
Regardless of one’s motivation, the negative stereotypes attached to dumpster diving can be frustrating and disheartening for some divers. Assumptions should not be made about an individual’s circumstances based on this activity alone.
Stigma against eating discarded food
Perhaps the strongest stigma related to dumpster diving is around eating discarded food. Many people are turned off by the idea of eating something found in the trash. There is a taboo around consuming what others clearly deemed unfit for consumption.
In reality, retailers and restaurants throw away enormous amounts of perfectly good, untouched food due to minor package damage, sell-by dates, overstocking, or aesthetic imperfections. While care should be taken to inspect food, the source or location of found food alone is not enough to determine its safety or sanitation. An aversion to eating discarded food is understandable, but ultimately food waste is also problematic.
Dumpster diving comes with some genuine risks to be aware of, though negative stereotypes and stigmas should not be automatically applied to those who choose to dumpster dive. At its core, dumpster diving is about resourcefulness and keeping usable items out of landfills. With the proper safety measures, it can be undertaken by anyone regardless of socioeconomic status.
Inside the NJ Dumpster Divers Community
The dumpster diving community in New Jersey is an eclectic group of individuals from all walks of life. While some dive purely out of financial necessity, others do it for the thrill of the hunt and sense of community.
Chris P. – ‘It’s All About Community’
Chris P., a NJ native, says some of his best diving experiences have come from the friends he’s made in the community. “It’s not just about finding cool stuff. It’s about sharing your stories, giving tips, and helping each other out. We pass on locations, warn others about dangerous spots, and get excited for big finds together.”
Some of Chris’ most memorable finds have been high-end pet supplies, designer clothes with tags still on, and expensive bottles of liquor – treasures he happily shares with his fellow divers. “It makes me smile when I find something my friends can really use or have been wanting.”
Sarah D. – ‘You Never Know What You’ll Get’
For Sarah D., an avid NJ diver for over 5 years, the unpredictability of dumpster diving is part of the fun. “You truly never know what people throw out or what you’ll discover on a dive. I’ve found everything from unused electronics to antique furniture.”
One particular dive behind a local department store garnered a brand new DSLR camera still in its box. “I couldn’t believe someone just tossed this $500 camera! I gave it to a fellow diver who needed it for his photography hobby.”
Sarah also stresses the importance of cleaning and disinfecting finds properly. “Dumpster doesn’t have to mean dirty,” she laughs.
Mark R. – ‘One Person’s Trash…’
Mark R. has been dumpster diving for over a decade, starting when he was struggling financially as a college student. While less a necessity today, he continues to dive weekly.
“My best dives have been discarded metal and electronics that I’ve scrapped for extra cash. But I also look for items to reuse or donate, like clothing or unexpired food.” An avid DIYer, Mark also repurposes scrap wood or metal from dumpsters into new projects.
Of course, Mark knows not everything is worth taking. “I pass on most food, bedding, or upholstered furniture since you can’t fully disinfect those.” He also stresses, “Always have permission if a dumpster is on private property, and never make a mess.”
Mark smiles, “One person’s trash can absolutely be another’s treasure with some creativity and an open mind!”
Best Dumpster Diving Apps
Dumpster diving apps can be extremely helpful for finding and mapping the best spots in your area. Here are some of the top recommended apps for dumpster divers:
Dumpster Map
Dumpster Map allows users to drop pins on a map to mark dumpsters and share locations. You can also view pins dropped by other divers in your area. Features include:
- Add details like best times to visit, types of hauls, etc.
- Community feed to connect with other divers.
- Filter map pins by category like food, retail, recycling.
Dumpster Drivin’
Dumpster Drivin’ has a large database of dumpster locations submitted by users. Useful features include:
- Browse and search database of dumpster spots.
- Filter by location, type of dumpster, haul reports.
- Save favorite dumpsters for quick access.
- View “Hot Spots” with the most haul reports.
Trash Map
Trash Map shows you potential dumpsters based on business data. You can also drop custom pins for dumpsters. Key features:
- Generate potential spots based on types of businesses.
- Filter by categories like grocery, retail, construction.
- Save custom pins and photos of hauls.
- Connect with other divers on the app.
The best apps make dumpster diving more efficient by leveraging community data. Features like mapping, filtering, and saving spots take the guesswork out of finding new dumpsters. These apps help you plan successful and safe dumpster diving trips.
Why is dumpster diving frowned upon?
While dumpster diving has become more mainstream in recent years thanks to TV shows and YouTube videos promoting it as a way to find treasures and reduce waste, it is still frowned upon by many people. There are a few key reasons why dumpster diving has a negative reputation:
- Perceived as dirty/unsafe – Dumpster diving conjures up images of rummaging through trash which many view as unclean and unsanitary. There are concerns about coming into contact with spoiled food, dirty diapers, or medical waste. Some also worry about injuries from broken glass or sharp objects carelessly discarded in dumpsters.
- Associations with homelessness/poverty – Unfortunately, dumpster diving is stereotypically associated with extreme poverty and homelessness. The stigma remains that it is something only destitute people do out of desperation. This fuels the perception that it is shameful and should be looked down upon.
- Goes against capitalistic norms – Our consumer culture generally discourages finding free items or getting something for nothing. Retailers want people to pay for products and services, not take them from the trash. The act of dumpster diving cuts against typical capitalist values.
While attitudes are slowly changing, these perceptions still drive much of the disapproval and vilification of dumpster diving as a practice. However, its fans view it as an ethical, eco-friendly way to find hidden treasures while reducing waste. More awareness and open-mindedness could help dumpster diving shed its negative reputation over time.
Health risks of dumpster diving
Dumpster diving does carry some health risks that divers should be aware of. Here are some of the main risks and precautions to take:
Risk of Injury
Dumpsters can contain broken glass, sharp metal edges, unsanitary objects etc that can cause cuts and injury. Divers should wear thick gloves and closed toe shoes to minimize risk. Checking carefully before reaching into dumpsters can also help avoid sharp objects.
Risk of Illness
Eating spoiled or contaminated food from dumpsters poses a risk of food poisoning or contracting diseases. Divers should avoid consuming food found in dumpsters to minimize this risk.
Precautions
To dive safely, take precautions like:
- Wear protective clothing like closed toe shoes, thick gloves, long sleeves.
- Bring a flashlight to spot hazards.
- Avoid consuming food from dumpsters.
- Wash hands and shower after diving.
- Get a tetanus shot.
- Carefully inspect inside dumpsters before reaching in.
- Avoid dumpsters with hazardous waste warning signs.
With proper precautions, the health risks of dumpster diving can be minimized. But it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards and take steps to dive safely.
Conclusion
Dumpster diving, when done properly, can be an ethical and sustainable way to salvage usable goods from the waste stream. This guide has covered the key considerations for diving legally and safely in New Jersey.
To summarize, while dumpster diving is generally legal in New Jersey, it’s important to avoid any areas marked “No Trespassing” and to always get permission if diving on private property. Safety should be a top priority – use protective gear, go in a group, and avoid dumpsters with hazardous materials.
The dumpster diving community in New Jersey is thriving, with many divers happily finding treasures and reducing waste. While there is still a stigma, more people are recognizing it as a viable urban foraging practice.
For beginners, start slow and focus on the basics. Always be respectful of stores and neighborhoods. And most importantly, never make a mess – leave dumpsters neater than you found them. Follow these guidelines, and you can dumpster dive thoughtfully and sustainably in the Garden State. With some common sense and care for your surroundings, diving opens up a treasure trove of perfectly reusable goods.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources for learning more about dumpster diving laws and best practices in New Jersey:
- NJ State Statute 2C:20-5 – The New Jersey shoplifting law that addresses trespassing and theft of property. This is an important law to understand regarding the legality of dumpster diving in NJ.
- NJ Scrap Metal Laws – Overview of NJ laws regarding the sale and possession of scrap metals, which may apply to some dumpster diving finds.
- Jersey Divers Forum – Active NJ dumpster diving community forum where local divers discuss hot spots, successful finds, laws, and safety tips. An excellent resource.
- NJ Trash Nothing – Website connecting local NJ freegans and dumpster divers to trade and exchange found goods.
- The Scavenger’s Manifesto – Highly regarded book on the principles and strategies of scavenging and dumpster diving ethically and safely.
- Map – Dumpster Diving maps are used to find new dumpsters to dive into.
Hi, I’m Ivy, and I dumpster dive a lot! I’ve been diving for 10 years now & I’ve been able to reduce my carbon footprint so much. I live off what I dive, and I usually donate a couple hundred pounds of food per month to my local food pantry.
Long term, I plan on opening my own food pantry in Florida. This way I will be able to help those in need to get not only the food they need but the healthy fresh food they need, which most food pantries don’t/can’t give away.