Dumpster diving conjures images of people rummaging for discarded treasures in dumpsters behind stores or in alleyways. But is this practice legal, ethical, or safe? As some frugal folks in New Mexico have discovered, the answers are more complex than one might assume. Though dumpster diving offers the thrill of finding free items, it also raises issues around trespassing, food safety, and privacy.
This article will explore the legal gray areas around dumpster diving in New Mexico and provide tips on where to appropriately salvage usable goods without overstepping ethical or legal boundaries. Some solutions balance the interests of all parties, allowing those in need to legally obtain resources while respecting private property and public health. With an open and thoughtful approach, we can find ways to reduce waste in our communities without resorting to extralegal measures.
Is Dumpster Diving Legal in New Mexico?
Dumpster diving is legal in New Mexico thanks to a 1988 Supreme Court case ruling that privacy laws do not protect trash left in public areas. The California v. Greenwood case established that once someone discards their trash in a public place for collection, they relinquish control and privacy claims over it.
New Mexico does not have any state laws explicitly prohibiting dumpster diving. However, divers do need to be cautious of local ordinances related to trespassing on private property. It’s legal to take discarded items from dumpsters on public property, like along public streets. But removing items from dumpsters on private property without permission could potentially lead to trespassing charges.
The best practice is to only scavenge in dumpsters that are clearly on public property and accessible to the public. Avoid any marked “no trespassing” areas or dumpsters behind fences or gates. As long as divers avoid trespassing, they are free to legally dumpster dive in New Mexico.
Best Dumpsters to Target in New Mexico
Some of the best dumpsters to target in New Mexico are major retailers, grocery stores, college campuses, and affluent neighbourhoods.
Major Retail Stores
Big box stores and major retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Michaels, and Barnes & Noble are great places to check. They often throw out returned, slightly damaged, or unsold merchandise. You can find electronics, home goods, office supplies, toys, furniture, and more in their dumpsters. The best time is typically at night after they close.
Grocery Stores
Grocery store dumpsters can be a treasure trove of still-good food. Produce, baked goods, dairy products, meat, and shelf-stable items are regularly tossed out while still edible. Focus your efforts on large chains like Smith’s, Albertsons, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s. The dumpsters are often located in a gated area, so be prepared to climb a fence. Early mornings are best.
College Campuses
When college students move out at the end of a semester, a staggering amount of perfectly good furnishings, clothes, electronics, and other items get dumped in campus dumpsters. Check dorm and apartment complex dumpsters the week after spring and winter break. You’ll need to move quickly before the garbage trucks come. Big hauls can be found – just make sure to donate or recycle anything you don’t keep.
Affluent Neighborhoods
Wealthy neighborhoods are ideal dumpster diving spots, as people tend to replace high-end items more frequently. Designer clothes, expensive electronics, and quality furniture finds are not uncommon. Go at night and look for large dumpsters outside mansions, condos, and townhouses. Just be discreet so you don’t alarm residents.
Top Dumpster Diving Spots For Dumpster Diving in New Mexico
New Mexico has plenty of great spots for dumpster diving, especially in the major cities. Here are some of the top places to check out:
Albuquerque
- Trader Joe’s on Lomas Blvd – This location often has lots of packaged and prepared foods as well as flowers. The dumpsters are easily accessible in the back parking lot.
- Sprouts on Eubank Blvd – A great spot for finding produce, baked goods, and bulk foods. The compactor is often left open at night.
- UNM neighborhood – Lots of college students discarding furniture, electronics, and more during move out times. Try dumpsters near the dorms.
- Uptown neighborhood – Affluent area with nice dumpsters and potential discards from renovation projects.
Santa Fe
- Whole Foods on Cerrillos Rd – This high-end grocer has great dumpsters full of pricey organic goods. Check the compactor and smaller side dumpsters.
- Santa Fe University of Art and Design – The art school dumpsters can contain usable art supplies, fabric scraps, and unfinished projects.
- Rancho Viejo neighborhood – Upscale community with large dumpsters that can yield treasures. Drive around the back streets and complexes.
Las Cruces
- Walmart on Rinconada Blvd – As a big box store, Walmart discards lots of unexpired and slightly damaged goods. Don’t trespass though.
- New Mexico State University – Academic dumpsters similar to UNM with discarded items from students moving out and campus waste.
- Mesilla downtown – Quaint shops and restaurants downtown with unlocked dumpsters to check. Visit at night after closing time.
Common Dumpster Finds
When it comes to dumpster diving in New Mexico, there are many common items you can expect to find depending on where you go and when. Some of the most common treasures people discover include:
Food Items
Grocery stores and restaurants tend to throw away a lot of still edible food. This can include packaged goods past their sell-by date, fresh produce and breads, and prepared restaurant foods. Most food found dumpster diving will still be sealed and good to eat. The key is going at the right time before the items spoil in the dumpster. Early morning and late evening are best.
Household Goods
Dumpster diving apartment complexes and neighborhoods on move out days can yield all kinds of housewares. Kitchen gadgets, decor, furniture, cleaning supplies, and more can often be salvaged. Check items carefully for flaws, but most will just be lightly used.
Clothing and Shoes
Clothing stores toss brand new items with minor flaws, returns, or last season’s stock. Ripped tags and a few stains don’t mean clothes aren’t wearable. Shoes, especially high end athletic ones, can be in great shape. Department store dumpsters are full of these discarded goods.
Media and Electronics
From video games and DVDs to small appliances and computer accessories, electronic store dumpsters have great finds. Most items will be open box or lightly damaged packaging, but can be in unused condition. Media is almost always still sealed and usable.
Toys and Sporting Goods
Children’s toys with packaging damage or returned sporting goods that are like new quality are commonly tossed out. If you have kids, this is a great segment to target.
With some effort and persistence, the treasures found dumpster diving can add up. Just be sure to clean and sanitize items before use and watch out for flaws that make something completely unusable. Happy hunting!
Safety Tips and Risks
Dumpster diving can be rewarding, but there are also risks to be aware of. Here are some tips to dive safely and avoid legal trouble:
Physical Safety Precautions
- Wear closed-toe shoes and gloves to protect your hands and feet. Broken glass and other sharp objects are common in dumpsters.
- Don’t climb or lean too far into dumpsters. Use a grabber tool to retrieve items instead.
- Go during the daytime so you can see clearly. Bring a flashlight if diving at night.
- Keep first aid supplies on hand in case of cuts, scrapes or other injuries.
- Never dive alone. Bring a friend in case you get hurt or need help.
- Wash your hands and shower after a dumpster diving session.
Legal Risks
- Avoid trespassing on private property or digging through dumpsters behind fences or gates. Only dive in publicly accessible dumpsters.
- Don’t make a mess while diving. Leave the area cleaner than you found it.
- Be aware of signs prohibiting trespassing or dumping. Don’t dive in those dumpsters.
- If asked to leave by an employee or property owner, comply immediately. Arguing could lead to police involvement.
Security Precautions
- Be discreet. Don’t park right next to a dumpster or draw attention to yourself.
- Look out for security cameras and avoid properties with heavy security patrols.
- Go in a group of 2-3 people. Large groups could attract unwanted attention.
- Have an exit strategy planned if you need to leave quickly.
- If security or police do confront you, be polite and honest about what you’re doing.
Making Money Dumpster Diving
One of the major incentives for dumpster diving in New Mexico is the potential to make money by reselling finds. While laws prohibit selling items stolen from dumpsters, a lot of discarded goods are entirely legal and fair game to profit from. With some cleaning and repair work, you’d be surprised at how much value can be generated by flipping dumpster dives.
Some of the most profitable dumpster diving categories include:
- Electronics – Phones, laptops, video game consoles, and TVs can often be fixed up and resold for hundreds of dollars. Even non-working electronics can be sold to scrap yards.
- Appliances – Blenders, vacuums, microwaves etc are regularly tossed while still functional or in need of minor repairs. It’s not uncommon to find brand new boxes for expensive appliances too.
- Furniture – Couches, chairs, tables, cabinets etc hold value even with minor damage. Trendy furniture styles can sell for a premium.
- Toys and games – Action figures, board games, and collectables become more valuable over time. Unopened boxes are ideal finds.
- Designer clothing and accessories – Brand name purses, shoes, and apparel are extremely profitable flips, especially if in good condition.
With some persistence and luck while dumpster diving, the potential earnings from reselling discarded goods can be substantial. Items that appear as trash to one person can be sold online to buyers happy to repair and reuse. With some cleaning, pricing research, photography, and listing work, a profitable side business can be built around dumpster diving finds in New Mexico.
Top Dumpster Diving Tips
When it comes to dumpster diving, having the right tools and techniques can optimize your haul and keep you safe. Here are some key best practices to keep in mind:
Go prepared
Bring along a flashlight, gloves, old clothes and closed-toe shoes. This will help you dig through the dumpster more easily and protect you from germs or sharp objects. Some divers swear by grabbing sticks or hooks to safely sift through trash without touching anything.
Bring bags or boxes
You’ll want something to hold and carry all your dumpster treasures. Some divers bring multiple bags or collapsible boxes in case they find a lot of good stuff. Just don’t take the actual dumpster bags – that’s bad form.
Go at the right time
Aim to go dumpster diving shortly after stores close for the night or first thing in the morning before trash pickup comes. This maximizes your haul. Also target days when there are likely to be more discards, like after holidays or inventory clearance sales.
Focus your search
Once you identify a good dumpster, rummage systematically instead of randomly digging. Go layer by layer and move methodically so you cover all the contents thoroughly.
Leave it cleaner than you found it
Never make an absolute mess while diving. Be neat and try to leave the dumpster tidier than it was when you arrived. This keeps dumpster diving ethical and doesn’t ruin it for others.
Know what to toss back
It’s inevitable you’ll find gross or worthless stuff. Have a plan for quickly identifying items to gently toss back rather than bag up. This avoids contaminating your haul.
By keeping these dumpster diving best practices in mind, you can master the art of urban foraging in New Mexico legally and safely. Remember to use common sense, be respectful and have fun out there!
Getting Started
New dumpster divers will want to start off with just the basic equipment to make those first trips easy and hassle-free. Here are some tips for getting started:
Basic Equipment
- Flashlight – Look for a small, LED flashlight that can light up the interior of a dumpster easily. Headlamps work well too.
- Dumpster pick – Use a stick, hook, or grabber tool to safely rummage through and pick up items in a dumpster without having to touch anything.
- Gloves – Wear thick rubber gloves to protect your hands. Leather gloves can also help avoid scrapes and cuts.
- Closed-toe shoes – Wear shoes or boots that fully cover your feet.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes – Bring these to clean your hands and anything you want to take.
- Backpack or tote – For carrying any treasures you find back home.
First Trip Tips
- Scout potential dumpsters in the daytime before diving at night. Look for ones without locks, fences, or no trespassing signs.
- Start with dumpsters for retail stores, apartments, and colleges around move-out times for the easiest picks.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Choose well-lit areas and go with a diving partner if possible.
- Be prepared not to find much of value on your early trips as you learn. Persistence pays off.
Finding Dumpsters
- Check behind malls, shopping centers, and big box stores. Electronic and furniture stores can be goldmines.
- Apartment complexes frequently have unsecured dumpsters. Go around move-in/move-out times.
- Schools and colleges toss lots of usable items when students leave for the year.
FAQs
Is dumpster diving legal?
As we covered earlier, dumpster diving is legal in New Mexico and most parts of the United States due to a 1988 Supreme Court ruling. However, you need to watch out for local ordinances against trespassing on private property. As long as you stick to public property like alleyways, you should be in the clear legally.
What’s the best time of day to go dumpster diving?
The optimal time is often early morning or late at night when stores are closed. Employees are less likely to confront you and you can take your time rummaging through dumpsters. Avoid peak business hours when dumpsters are being actively used.
What should I wear while dumpster diving?
Old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are a must. Bring gloves to protect your hands and closed-toe shoes. In the winter months, bundle up with layers and wear a headlamp so you can see in the dark.
How do I know which dumpsters are worth checking?
Get to know the dumpster schedules for stores like supermarkets, big box retailers, pharmacies, and college dorms. The more affluent the area, the better quality the discarded items. Also listen for the telltale signs of dumpsters full of merchandise.
Is dumpster diving gross?
It’s true that you may have to dig through some gross stuff to find the hidden gems. However, most dumpsters are cleaner than you’d imagine. Focus your search on the top layers and move on if it gets too messy deeper down. The treasures you discover make it worthwhile.
Can I actually make money dumpster diving?
Absolutely! Many dumpster divers resell their cleaned and refurbished finds on websites like Craigslist and eBay. High ticket items often found include electronics, furniture, bikes, and designer goods. With some time and effort, you can offset the costs of dumpster diving and possibly even turn a profit.
What should I do if I get confronted by store employees?
First and foremost, remain polite. Explain that dumpster diving is legal and you do not mean any harm. Offer to leave immediately if they insist. Know your rights, but don’t argue or antagonize anyone. Remember that not all employees may be aware it’s legal.
Is dumpster diving safe?
Exercise common sense safety precautions like bringing a friend, avoiding dumpsters behind sketchy locations, and not attempting to climb or enter the dumpsters. Be aware of your surroundings and leave if something doesn’t feel right. Carry a flashlight, cellphone, and first aid kit in case of emergencies.
Is Dumpster Diving Worth It?
Dumpster diving requires time and effort, so an important question to ask is – is it actually worth it? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding if dumpster diving makes sense for your needs.
Pros
- It’s free – you can find amazing things that are perfectly good but discarded. This is great for frugal living.
- It’s exciting – dumpster diving can feel like treasure hunting, as you never know what you might uncover.
- It reduces waste – you’re giving new life to items that would otherwise rot in a landfill.
- You can make money – by reselling quality items found dumpster diving. With some cleaning and minor repairs, discarded things can be quite valuable.
- It’s good exercise – climbing into dumpsters and digging through items is physically demanding.
Cons
- It’s time consuming – to find the best spots, go out at odd hours, and dig through piles of trash.
- It can be messy and smelly – you may have to get dirty and deal with foul odors from garbage.
- There are risks – including injuries from broken glass or food waste, confrontations, and legal issues if trespassing.
- You may find nothing – some nights may be busts after hours spent searching through trash.
- It requires storage space – for the items you collect before reselling or repurposing them.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
For the frugal and adventurous, the pros often outweigh the cons when dumpster diving. The thrill of uncovering free treasures that can be cleaned up and resold makes the time and effort worthwhile. Just be sure to take necessary safety precautions. Overall dumpster diving can be a fun and economical way to find great items and reduce waste.
Conclusion
Dumpster diving in New Mexico can be a fun and rewarding hobby if done properly and legally. This guide has covered the key laws and tips to keep in mind.
To quickly recap – dumpster diving is legal in New Mexico as long as you follow trespassing laws and avoid private property. The best places to go are major retail stores, grocery stores, college campuses, and affluent neighborhoods. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when dumpster diving.
You can find surprising treasures, from food to electronics to designer goods. However it does require some effort, patience and persistence. Always put safety first and be respectful of the spaces you are diving in.
If you are interested in trying dumpster diving in New Mexico, start by scouting potential dumpsters in your area. Go with a friend if possible and choose well-lit locations. Bring gloves, flashlights and bags or boxes to transport your finds. Always clean items before using them.
With the right approach, dumpster diving can be an exciting sustainable hobby that also helps you save money. Now that you know the laws and best practices, you can decide if its something you’d like to pursue further in New Mexico. Stay safe and happy diving!
Welcome to the world of Trash Panda, a self-proclaimed and proudly certified Trash Panda of the literary realm! Embracing the art of ‘binning’ in both life and writing, CA dives into the creative dumpsters of imagination, unearthing hidden treasures in the form of quirky tales and whimsical narratives. With a pen as mightier as a raccoon’s paw, he craft stories that resonate with those who dare to embrace the unconventional. Join the journey where every page turned is a win in the adventurous bin of storytelling.