If you’re looking for a guide to help you get started dumpster diving in Alaska, you’ve come to the perfect place. Well! Understanding the rules and regulations in your state is an excellent place to start. We’ll go through a number of trash diving tactics as well as Alaska’s legislation on this side hustle in this detailed guide. I’ll give you some tips along the road on how to make the most of your treasure hunt.
Dumpster Diving in Alaska
The Last Frontier State is one of the most popular trash diving destinations in the country, with only 1 commercial shopping center and tens of thousands of residential units. The good news is that there are 123 stores in these shopping centers and malls. In rich Alaska towns like Unalaska, Cordova, Darien, Valdez, Juneau, and the North Pole, dumpster diving is common. As a result, Alaska has everything, whether you want to go trash diving in affluent districts or buy at shopping malls and retail stores.
Related: Dumpster Diving in Hawaii: A Comprehensive Guide
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Alaska?
In Alaska, there are no laws preventing garbage diving. Dumpster diving is, in fact, perfectly permitted in this state. You must, however, follow your state’s trespassing laws as well as the ordinances and statutes of the city or municipality. If you go trash diving without permission in Alaska, you risk getting charged for trespassing, as every business and private residence is considered private property.
There are no regulations forbidding you from diving into dumpsters on public property, such as garbage pickup curbs, in most Alaska cities.
According to the landmark United States Supreme Court case California v. Greenwood, a person or organization has effectively relinquished ownership rights to any garbage deposited in public dumpsters across the country.
You could be charged with trespass or larceny if you try to search through the dumpster while it is still inside a private house in Alaska. If you approach private property to try dumpster diving despite a clearly visible ‘No Trespassing’ sign, you could be charged with trespassing, and the business in Alaska has the authority to permanently prohibit you from their premises. You could be charged with disorderly conduct, illegal dumping, and littering, to name a few.
As a result, you should avoid trash diving near a gate, fence, or private property if you need to enter one. If you don’t have all of the appropriate rights and certifications, these aren’t the finest spots to go trash diving in Alaska.
Is Dumpster Diving at night illegal in Alaska?
Dumpster diving at night is perfectly permitted in Alaska. In actuality, whether you dive dumpsters during the day or at night, the constraints remain the same. Trash scavenging late at night in residential areas, on the other hand, appears to be dangerous. A police officer may be deployed to your area. Furthermore, trash diving in Alaska late at night draws a considerably larger throng. Because they prefer to be alone, most dumpster divers prefer to go dumpster diving at night. Dumpster diving in Alaska is best done early in the morning or late at night, in my opinion.
Best places to go dumpster diving in Alaska
Thousands of wonderful trash diving places may be found around Alaska. I have, however, categorized and identified some of the best places to start your trash diving trip in Alaska.
- Apartment Units
- Cafes and Bakeries
- Cosmetic Stores
- Electronic Shops
- Posh Neighbourhoods
Read More: Dumpster Diving at Walmart: Legal or Illegal?
How much money can you make dumpster diving in Alaska?
A number of factors influence how much money you may make dumpster diving in Alaska. Some dumpster divers are just interested in finding recyclables to sell and profit from. Others might want to start garbage diving to get food or groceries for their own usage. Many dumpster divers look for electronics, furniture, and books to sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
Garbage diving as a full-time job in Alaska will be difficult. That’s not to say it won’t happen. For this New York couple, dumpster diving is a side hustle that pays them over $3000 per month. It shows that it is possible; but, if you want to make a life dumpster diving in Alaska, you must devote 100% of your time to the activity.
So, how much money can you make in Alaska by trash diving? Well! We spoke with five full-time garbage diving couples in Alaska. They all agreed that if you dedicate full-time hours (40+ hours per week), trash diving in Alaska can pay up to $3200 per month.
Final Thoughts
In Alaska, dumpster diving is not forbidden. In your city or county, however, dumpster diving may be prohibited. As a result, double-check the city code for each municipality, which may be accessed on the internet. Keep in mind Alaska’s “Trespass after Notice” law as well as municipal limits as you proceed.
