Dumpster diving, also known as binning, skipping, and trash picking, involves sifting through commercial or residential trash containers and dumpsters to find valuable items that have been discarded. For some, dumpster diving is a way to salvage free goods for personal use or resale. For others, it’s a form of activism to reduce waste. Dumpster diving appeals to the thrifty, creative, and environmentally-minded.
Although frowned upon by many, dumpster diving is generally legal in Wyoming with some local restrictions. As long as divers respect private property and avoid making a mess, they are typically not breaking any laws. However, dumpsters on personal property should never be accessed without permission, as that could be considered trespassing. This guide aims to provide tips for Dumpster Diving in Wyoming legally and safely.
Is Dumpster Diving Legal in Wyoming?
When it comes to dumpster diving in Wyoming, there are no statewide laws that prohibit or restrict the practice. Dumpster diving is legal at the state level, as Wyoming has no statutes that make it illegal to go through the trash discarded in a public area.
However, some local city and county ordinances may regulate dumpster diving to various extents. While diving itself is not named as illegal, local laws may prohibit related activities like trespassing on private property or making a mess.
So, while the state cannot criminally charge you for dumpster diving, there may still be local penalties if you are not careful. Divers should know where dumpsters are located and never trespass onto private property. It’s also essential to avoid making a mess and leaving the area as clean as you found it.
If you follow general rules and etiquette, your hobby should not run against the law. However ignorance of local ordinances is not a valid legal defense. So, look into the dumpster diving regulations in any Wyoming town before scavenging there.
Best Places to Dumpster Dive in Wyoming
Wyoming’s largest cities offer the best dumpster diving opportunities due to their concentration of businesses, restaurants, grocery stores, and other commercial establishments that routinely throw away usable goods. Here are some of the top spots:
Cheyenne
Cheyenne offers prime dumpster diving options as Wyoming’s capital and most populous city. Focus your search on the downtown area along Lincolnway and Carey Avenue, where you’ll find dumpsters behind restaurants, bakeries, drug stores, and more. The areas around Frontier Mall and Freedom’s Edge Shopping Center also present possibilities. The best times are typically late at night after businesses have closed shop.
Casper
The second largest city in Wyoming, Casper, is another urban area filled with retail stores, eateries, and other commercial dumpsters worth diving into. Check behind the restaurants at the Eastridge Mall or along North Poplar Street. You may also have luck around the downtown area near 2nd and Center streets. As always, nighttime hours are best for discreet and uninterrupted dumpster diving.
Laramie
Home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie has an active main street area perfect for dumpster diving. Look for potential treasure troves in the dumpsters behind restaurants and cafes along 1st Street and the shops, bars, and other businesses throughout the downtown area. Early mornings typically provide the most privacy.
Specific Spots
Beyond the cities mentioned above, there are several other notable spots for dumpster diving in Wyoming. The Walmart Supercenters and grocery stores in cities like Gillette, Rock Springs, and Sheridan are known for discarding a wide range of items. Additionally, college towns like Powell and Riverton can be fruitful during the academic year.
What to Expect When Dumpster Diving in Wyoming
Dumpster diving in Wyoming can yield great finds if you know where to look and what to watch out for. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
Types of Common Finds
- Food – Grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores often toss expired but edible foods. You can find produce, bread, packaged goods, prepared meals, and more. Always inspect food carefully before eating.
- Household goods – Things like cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, overstocked inventory, and returned items often get tossed behind retail stores.
- Furniture and home decor – Look behind furniture shops, home goods stores, and even apartment complexes during move-outs.
- Clothing and shoes – Clothing that doesn’t sell or has minor flaws gets dumped by many clothing retailers.
- Media – Books, CDs, DVDs, video games, and electronics are standard. Check media for damage before taking.
- Construction materials – Leftover supplies, scrapped materials, and over-ordered inventory from construction sites and hardware stores.
Condition of Items
The arid climate in most of Wyoming results in dumpster finds that aren’t too exposed to the elements. If diving in summer, food and other perishables may have a shorter shelf life. But overall, the condition of most discarded goods is on par or better than what you may find dumpster diving in more humid regions. Freeze, refrigerate or preserve food quickly for the best freshness.
Identifying Valuables
Look for particular brands, specialty items, collectors editions, and anything still in packaging. Electronics, media, and tools can be cleaned up and resold if in good shape. Name-brand clothing in the right sizes and in unworn condition sells well online. Anything new with tags, in original packaging, or lightly used is worth grabbing. Be selective and only take quality items to make the most out of your dumpster diving trips.
Avoiding Legal Issues While Dumpster Diving
While dumpster diving is generally legal in Wyoming, you must avoid legal trouble. Here are some tips for diving without breaking the law:
Don’t Trespass on Private Property
Ensure you only dive in dumpsters located on public property or property you can access. Don’t hop fences or sneak onto private property without consent. This could lead to trespassing charges. Only dive in dumpsters that are openly accessible from public areas like streets or parking lots.
Leave the Area Clean and Undisturbed
Be respectful of the space and leave it just as you found it. Don’t make a mess while searching through dumpsters. Return items to the dumpster if you don’t take them. You don’t want to vandalize the dumpster area or be accused of illegal dumping.
Follow Dumpster Access Rules
Some businesses will lock their dumpsters or explicitly prohibit dumpster diving with signs. Make sure you adhere to any posted notices restricting access. Don’t force open containers or disable locks. Only dive in receptacles that are openly available for public use without posted restrictions.
By being mindful of property lines, cleaning up after yourself, and respecting access rules, you can avoid legal troubles while dumpster diving in Wyoming. Just use common sense and courtesy. As long as you aren’t trespassing, making a mess, or violating posted restrictions, you should be in the clear legally.
FAQ About Dumpster Diving in Wyoming
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about dumpster diving in Wyoming:
Is dumpster diving considered trespassing in Wyoming?
While dumpster diving is legal, you can still be prosecuted for trespassing if you enter private property without permission. Avoid any areas marked “No Trespassing” and only access dumpsters on public property or which you have been granted permission to access.
What safety precautions should I take when dumpster diving?
– Only go during daylight hours and with at least one other person. Avoid going alone at night.
– Bring a flashlight to look inside dumpsters and to light your way.
– Watch for sharp objects that could cut you when reaching inside dumpsters. Wear thick gloves.
– Don’t climb inside dumpsters or compactors.
Can I get in trouble for making a mess while dumpster diving?
Yes. It’s possible to get cited or fined if you leave a mess while dumpster diving, so always put items back how you found them. Avoid emptying bags or boxes onto the ground. Your goal should be to leave the area exactly how you found it.
What if someone confronts me while I’m dumpster diving?
If a store employee, security guard, police officer or property owner confronts you, be polite and cooperative. Explain that dumpster diving is legal in Wyoming, but avoid arguing. Thank them for informing you about their policies, then move to a different location. Know your rights, but also pick your battles wisely.
Best Dumpsters to Hit in Cheyenne
Cheyenne is Wyoming’s capital and most populous city, making it a prime spot for dumpster diving. Here are some of the best dumpsters to target in Cheyenne:
Grocery Stores
- Safeway – Several Safeway locations around Cheyenne often have food thrown away still within expiration dates. Check their dumpsters for fresh produce, baked goods, meat, dairy and more. The Safeway on E Pershing Blvd is a good spot.
- King Soopers – Like Safeway, King Soopers tosses edible food and products daily. Their dumpsters can contain snacks, frozen foods, and other household items. Try their Dell Range location.
- Natural Grocers – Natural Grocers is a great bet for those seeking organic and natural foods. You may find organic produce, supplements, beauty products and more in their dumpster.
Restaurants
- Fast food joints like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, etc often have surplus food in their dumpsters at closing time each night.
- Sit-down restaurants like Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Applebee’s are also decent spots to check. They throw out uneaten entrees, sides, and untouched baked goods regularly.
Retail Stores
- Craft and fabric stores like Joann’s, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart may discard extra material, yarn, partially used paints, and craft components.
- Department stores like Kohl’s, Target, and TJ Maxx frequently discard returned items or things that didn’t sell. Their dumpsters can contain clothes, shoes, home goods and more, sometimes with tags still on.
- Pet stores like Petco and Petsmart often throw away pet food, beds, leashes and other supplies that have been opened or returned.
So in summary, grocery stores, restaurants, and retail stores tend to be the best places for dumpster diving bounty in Cheyenne. Focus your efforts on their dumpsters and trash areas for the widest variety of usable goods.
Best Dumpsters in Casper
Casper is the second largest city in Wyoming, with a population of over 55,000 people. This means there are plenty of businesses and opportunities for successful dumpster diving. Here are some of the best spots to check out:
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores like Walmart, Safeway, and Albertson’s will often throw out still-edible food like produce, baked goods, and refrigerated items past their sell-by date. Their dumpsters can yield snacks, ingredients for meals, and more. Focus your search on their larger trash bins where food would likely be discarded. The best times are often early morning before daily trash pickup.
Restaurants
Fast food joints like McDonald’s and Taco Bell can provide uneaten burgers, tacos, fries, and other foods. Bakery-cafes like Panera may have bagels, pastries, or sandwiches. Full-service restaurants toss edible food too. Check areas where the kitchen staff takes out trash. Weekday nights after closing time are good times to check.
Retail Locations
Stores like Walmart, Target, and department stores will toss anything from unsold merchandise, to display items, to packaging materials. Electronics, home goods, office supplies, and more can often be salvaged. Focus on large commercial dumpsters away from customer view.
Apartment Complexes
Apartment buildings frequently have large dumpsters where residents discard furniture, appliances, and various household items when they move out. Early summer is ideal when many college students are moving out. Ask first before taking anything to get permission.
College Campuses
The dumpsters at the University of Wyoming and Casper College heat up toward the end of semester as students throw out props, decor, appliances, electronics, clothes, textbooks, and dorm items. Make sure to go after exam period ends.
By focusing efforts on these prime areas in Casper, a dumpster diving trip can prove very fruitful! Just remember to be respectful, avoid messes, and watch for trespassing. With the right locations and timing, you can find great goods.
Top Spots in Laramie
Laramie is a college town, home to the University of Wyoming, which means plenty of opportunities to find discarded goods. Here are some of the best spots to hit in Laramie:
College Dorms and Apartments
At the end of spring semester, keep an eye on the dumpsters near the dorms and college apartment complexes. Students often throw away clothes, mini fridges, furniture, school supplies, and even electronics when they move out. The key is timing – try to go when students are moving out but before garbage collection. Early May is ideal.
Bookstores
College bookstores often toss outdated or overstocked books and course materials. Textbook editions change frequently, so check for books that still have good content. Also look for notebooks, pens, apparel, and memorabilia. Barnes & Noble on Grand Avenue is a good spot to check.
Fast Food Joints
Fast food places like McDonald’s and Taco Bell generate lots of waste. Check their dumpsters for unopened packaged food thrown away at the expiration date. You’ll also find paper napkins, straws, and condiment packets. Just give the food a sniff test before consuming.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores legally cannot sell expired food. But much of it is still sealed and edible for quite some time after the sell-by date. Dive for drinks, snacks, bread, produce, and canned goods. Try places like Ridley’s, Safeway, and Natural Grocers. Go at night when they restock shelves.
Restaurants
Restaurant dumpsters offer a wide variety of finds from untouched food to cleaning supplies. High-end places tend to waste more food. Try back alleys behind Grand Avenue restaurants late at night after closing time. Also check bakeries and cafes like Perkins, IHOP, and Starbucks.
With some luck and the right timing, Laramie dumpsters can provide a bounty of free items. Just remember to be respectful and avoid confronting store managers when diving.
Top Finds in Wyoming
One of the best parts of dumpster diving is that you never know what treasures you might uncover. While everyday items like food and basic supplies are common finds, Wyoming’s dumpsters can yield real gems if lucky. Here are some of the most unique, valuable, or unexpected things divers have found:
Unexpected Items
- Brand new electronics – iPods, laptops, TVs. Some big box stores toss returned or lightly damaged electronics that are still perfectly usable.
- Unopened packages of expensive items like tools, small appliances, or computer accessories. Retailers may toss them after a certain period if unclaimed.
- Expensive pet supplies like beds, leashes, specialty foods. People may ditch these if a pet passes away.
- Collector’s items like trading cards, comic books, or action figures still in boxes.
- Knick-knacks and home goods if someone is downsizing or moving. Decor, kitchenware, frames, vases, etc.
Valuable Discoveries
- Jewelry – rings, necklaces, watches. Often the valuable pieces get tossed by accident.
- Luxury handbags by big-name designers if someone is de-cluttering their closet.
- Game consoles and games – older systems like Nintendo, Super Nintendo, and Nintendo 64.
- Apple products – iPods, older iPads, MacBooks – tend to get thrown out more frequently than you’d expect.
- Antiques – decorative items, silver, china, furniture. Antique stores may toss unsold or damaged goods.
- Artwork – prints, paintings, photographs. Anything ranges from amateur to potentially valuable pieces.
As you can see, Wyoming’s dumpsters can yield some serious treasures if you keep your eyes peeled! Persistence and luck are key.
Bottom Line
Recap on the legality of dumpster diving in Wyoming – no statewide laws prohibit it, but some local ordinances may restrict or regulate it. Penalties exist for diving illegally by trespassing or making a mess.
Based on their size and commercial options, the top locations in Wyoming for successful and legal dumpster diving are Cheyenne, Casper, and Laramie. The best times to go are typically at night after stores close.
Tips for Safe and Legal Dumpster Diving:
Avoid Trespassing: Always respect private property boundaries. Dumpsters located on private property, such as behind businesses or apartment complexes, are off-limits unless you have explicit permission from the owner. Stick to dumpsters in public areas or those designated for public use.
Respect Property: Even if a dumpster is accessible, treat it with care. Avoid causing any damage or leaving a mess behind. Remember, you’re a guest, and it’s essential to leave the area as you found it.
Be Discreet: While dumpster diving is generally legal in public areas, it’s best to be discreet to avoid drawing unwanted attention or causing concern. Avoid making excessive noise or leaving a trail of items behind.
Wear Proper Gear: Dumpsters can be hazardous environments, so it’s crucial to wear appropriate protective gear. Sturdy gloves, closed-toe shoes, and long sleeves can help protect you from sharp objects, broken glass, or other potential hazards.
Exercise Caution: Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution when diving into dumpsters. Watch out for potential hazards like broken glass, rusty nails, or other sharp objects that could cause injury.
Avoid Confrontations: If you encounter someone who questions your presence or asks you to leave, remain calm and comply politely. It’s better to avoid confrontations and find another location than to risk escalating the situation.
Respect Boundaries: If a dumpster is clearly marked as private property or has a “No Trespassing” sign, respect those boundaries and move on to the next location.
By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and legal dumpster diving experience while minimizing the risk of legal issues or potential harm.
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.