Dumpster Diving at Walmart: An Ultimate Guide for 2023

Welcome to the exciting world of dumpster diving at Walmart! Yes, you read that right. If you’re looking for a way to score some great deals, save some money, or just have an adventure, then diving into a Walmart dumpster might just be the answer you’re looking for.

Now, before you start picturing yourself diving headfirst into a pile of trash, let’s clear a few things up. Dumpster diving is not only legal (in most places), but it can also be a lot of fun. And who doesn’t love fun, right? So, grab your gloves and your sense of adventure, and let’s dive into the world of dumpster diving at Walmart.

Dumpster Diving at Walmart

If you’re not familiar with Walmart, it’s a massive retail chain that sells everything from groceries to electronics to clothing. It’s a one-stop-shop for just about anything you could need, but sometimes the prices can be a little steep. That’s where dumpster diving at Walmart comes in.

Retail stores like Walmart have adopted great return and refund policies. This means if I return a gadget but the packaging is already damaged, it can’t go back to shelves. Most of the time, it ends up in a dumpster at Walmart. Therefore, while dumpster diving at Walmart, you often find goodies with damaged packaging.

Why dumpster dive at Walmart?

First of all, let’s talk about why you should consider diving into a Walmart dumpster. For one thing, you can find some pretty amazing deals. Sure, you might have to dig through some trash to get to the good stuff, but the reward is worth it. Plus, you’re helping to reduce waste by rescuing perfectly good items from the landfill. It’s a win-win!

Another reason to dive at Walmart dumpsters is the sheer variety of items you can find. You never know what you might come across. One day you could find a perfectly good television, and the next day you might score a bunch of unopened bags of chips. It’s like a treasure hunt, but without the need for a map or a compass.

Related: How to start a dumpster Rental Business

Understand the Dumpster Diving Laws in your State

Before you grab your flashlight and head out to the nearest Walmart dumpster, it’s important to understand the laws surrounding dumpster diving in your state. While it’s legal in many places, there are some states and municipalities that have specific regulations around the practice.

Additionally, if the dumpster has been left in a public domain such as a curb or sideways for pickup, an individual or the business has basically forfeited their ownership rights to the items. However, if the dumpster is still inside the private property, you could be cited for trespass or even for theft if you try to rummage through the dumpster.

Know your State’s laws before dumpster diving at Walmart

First things first, check out the laws in your state. In some states, like California, dumpster diving is legal as long as it doesn’t violate any other laws, such as trespassing or littering. In other states, like Florida, it’s illegal to take anything from a dumpster that’s on private property.

It’s important to do your research and know what the laws are in your state before you start diving. You don’t want to get in trouble with the law for trying to score a good deal.

Be Respectful While Dumpster Diving at Walmart

Even if dumpster diving is legal in your state, it’s important to be respectful of the dumpster and its surroundings. Don’t make a mess or leave trash lying around. And never dive into a dumpster that’s locked or has a “no trespassing” sign on it.

Also, be mindful of the fact that some stores have their own policies regarding dumpster diving. While it might not be illegal, they might ask you to leave or call the police if they catch you diving.

Is it illegal to dumpster dive at Walmart?

You might be wondering if dumpster diving at Walmart is illegal. The answer is: it depends. While Walmart does have a policy against dumpster diving on its property, the legality of the practice varies by state and municipality.

Walmart’s Policy on Dumpster Diving

First of all, let’s talk about Walmart’s policy on dumpster diving. According to their website, “customers are prohibited from taking, capturing, or otherwise obtaining items from our waste receptacles or from behind our stores.” This means that technically, dumpster diving at Walmart is not allowed.

However, it’s worth noting that Walmart’s policy is not the same as the law. Just because Walmart doesn’t allow dumpster diving on its property doesn’t mean that it’s illegal to do so.

State and Municipal Laws for Dumpster Diving at Walmart

As we mentioned earlier, the legality of dumpster diving at Walmart (or anywhere else) varies by state and municipality. In some places, it’s perfectly legal as long as you’re not trespassing or littering. In other places, it’s illegal to take anything from a dumpster that’s on private property.

It’s important to do your research and know the laws in your area before you start diving. You don’t want to get in trouble with the law for trying to save a few bucks.

What to look for while dumpster diving at Walmart?

The items you would want to look for, while dumpster diving, highly depends on your wants and needs. Some people may choose to dumpster dive at Walmart in order to collect recyclable items that they can turn in for cash. While some look for food and grocery items. 

Now, you might be wondering what kind of items you can find in a Walmart dumpster. Well, the short answer is: anything and everything. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

  1. Non-perishable food items: Things like canned goods, packaged snacks, and even unopened boxes of cereal can often be found in Walmart dumpsters.
  2. Household items: From cleaning supplies to furniture to baby gear, you can find all kinds of useful items in Walmart dumpsters.
  3. Electronics: This is where the real treasure hunting comes in. You might find a perfectly good phone or laptop that was returned for a minor issue or a slightly damaged TV that still works perfectly fine.
  4. Clothing: While you might have to do a bit of washing, you can find some great clothing items in Walmart dumpsters. From shirts to shoes to winter coats, you never know what you might find.

What is the best time to go dumpster diving at Walmart?

If you’re thinking about trying your hand at dumpster diving at Walmart, you might be wondering when the best time to go is. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are a few things to keep in mind that might help you score some great finds.

Check your local store’s schedule

One of the best ways to figure out when the best time to go dumpster diving at Walmart is to check the store’s schedule. Stores usually have set times for when they throw out their trash, and knowing when this happens can help you time your dive just right.

You can try asking an employee when the store throws out its trash, or you can simply observe the store for a few days to see if there’s a pattern to when they take out their dumpsters.

Avoid peak shopping hours

Another thing to keep in mind when deciding when to go dumpster diving at Walmart is to avoid peak shopping hours. You don’t want to be diving while the store is full of customers, as this could draw unwanted attention and make you more likely to get caught.

Instead, try going early in the morning or late at night, when there are fewer people around. This can also increase your chances of finding good items, as the dumpsters are more likely to be full.

Consider the Weather

Lastly, it’s worth considering the weather when deciding when to go dumpster diving at Walmart. In the summer, the heat can make dumpster diving uncomfortable, and in the winter, snow and ice can make it dangerous.

Try to time your dive for a day when the weather is mild and comfortable, so you can focus on finding great items instead of worrying about getting too hot or too cold.

We asked 23 full-time dumpster divers, the optimal time to go dumpster diving at Walmart. And the best time seems to be from 4 am to 6 am.

All in all, while there’s no one “best” time to go dumpster diving at Walmart, there are a few things you can keep in mind that might increase your chances of success.

Check the store’s schedule, avoid peak shopping hours, and consider the weather when planning your dive. And remember, always be respectful of the dumpster and its surroundings.

How much money can you make dumpster diving at Walmart?

You can make some serious cash by dumpster diving at Walmart. However, most of it will highly depend on your luck and experience. We did a survey among 23 full-time dumpster divers from the US and the results were surprising, to say the least. We found out that, dumpster divers were making an average of $363.26 a week from Walmart alone.

A lot of dumpster divers I know, do this as a way of making money. They find valuable items from dumpsters and sell them online through eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

Dumpster diving at Walmart can be a fantastic way to earn some extra dough, as long as you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty. But let’s be real here, you’re probably not going to be able to quit your day job and live off of dumpster diving alone right off the bat.

That’s where the beauty of it being a side hustle comes in! So start small, build up your skills and experience, and before you know it, you might just be raking in enough cash to dive into dumpsters full-time.

Final Thoughts

It may sound strange, but believe it or not, diving into a dumpster can lead to some amazing discoveries. From untouched food and perfectly good products to discarded treasures, you never know what you might find.

But before you grab your flashlight and start rummaging through the trash, there are a few things you should know. First, it’s important to understand the laws in your state regarding dumpster diving, as there are some places where it may be illegal or restricted. So do your research beforehand to avoid any legal trouble.

Second, timing is key when it comes to dumpster diving at Walmart. You want to go when the store is least busy and the dumpsters are most likely to be full. Check the store’s schedule and avoid going during peak shopping hours to minimize the risk of getting caught.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that dumpster diving at Walmart can be dirty, smelly, and even dangerous at times. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing, and always be respectful of the dumpster and its surroundings.

So there you have it, a beginner’s guide to dumpster diving at Walmart. With some patience, skill, and luck, you might just discover some amazing finds and make some extra cash on the side. Just remember to stay safe, have fun, and always be open to the possibilities. Happy diving!

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