Dumpster diving, or “urban foraging” as it is sometimes called, is the act of scavenging through dumpsters or other receptacles for food or other items that have been discarded. Dumpster diving has become a popular way for people to save money and reduce waste. And while it may seem like a relatively new phenomenon, people have actually been dumpster diving for centuries. In this blog post, we will explore the history of dumpster diving, as well as some tips and tricks for those interested in trying it out in Cape Coral, FL.
Dumpster Diving Laws in Cape Coral, FL
Dumpster diving is legal in Cape Coral, FL as long as the diver abides by the city’s ordinances. Some of these ordinances include getting a permit from the city, not diving during certain hours, and not diving in areas that are posted as off-limits.
In order to get a permit to dumpster dive in Cape Coral, FL, divers must submit an application to the city. The application must include the diver’s name, address, and telephone number; the name and address of the proposed diving location; and the days and hours when diving will take place. A $50 fee is required for each permit.
Dumpster diving is only allowed during daylight hours (from sunrise to sunset). Divers are not allowed to use artificial lights while diving.
Divers are not allowed to dive in areas that are posted as off-limits by the city. These areas may include park grounds, beaches, docks, piers, boat ramps, or any other area where there is a potential for injury or property damage.
Related: Dumpster Diving in Port St. Lucie, FL
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Cape Coral, FL?
Dumpster diving, or scavenging through trash for food and other items, is illegal in Cape Coral, FL. The city has an ordinance that prohibits people from going through garbage cans, dumpsters, or any other type of container that is used to store waste in private properties without any permission. This ordinance is in place to help keep the city clean and prevent people from getting hurt by sharp objects or other hazards that may be present in the garbage.
While dumpster diving is not technically illegal in Cape Coral, it may lead to other offences. There are still many people who do it. Some people do it because they are desperate and cannot afford to buy food. Others do it for the thrill of finding something valuable in the trash. Whatever the reason, dumpster diving is not against the law in the city of Cape Coral.
Is Dumpster Diving at night Illegal in Cape Coral, FL?
As with most things in life, there are both pros and cons to dumpster diving at night. On the one hand, it can be a great way to find treasures that you might otherwise miss during the day. However, it is important to be aware of the potential legal implications of doing so.
In Cape Coral, FL, it is technically illegal to dumpster dive between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am. This is because the city has an ordinance in place that prohibits “unauthorized entry onto another person’s property.” However, this ordinance is rarely enforced and is generally only used if there is a complaint from a property owner.
So, while you may be technically breaking the law if you dumpster dive at night in Cape Coral, FL, it is unlikely that you will get into any trouble for doing so. Just be sure to use common sense and respect private property rights when doing so.
Best Places to Dumpster Dive in Cape Coral, FL?
Cape Coral, FL is a great place to find hidden treasures in dumpsters! Here are some of the best places to dumpster dive in Cape Coral:
- Goodwill Industries – This thrift store chain is a goldmine for dumpster divers! You can find everything from clothing to furniture to household items in their dumpsters.
- Walmart – One of the world’s largest retailers, Walmart is a great place to find deals on just about everything. Their dumpsters are full of returned or damaged merchandise that can be had for a fraction of the price.
- Target – Another large retailer with plenty of goodies in their dumpsters! You can find clothes, toys, electronics, and more at bargain prices.
- Office Depot – Dumpster diving at office supply stores can yield some great finds, like printers, computers, and other office equipment.
- Furniture Stores – Dumpsters at furniture stores are full of damaged or unwanted furniture that can be had for a great price.
How much money can you make by dumpster diving in Cape Coral, FL?
The average person can make about $100 a week dumpster diving in Cape Coral, FL. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, you could easily make twice that amount. There are a number of ways to make money dumpster diving in Cape Coral, FL, including selling scrap metal, finding valuable items to sell on eBay or Craigslist, and collecting bottles and cans for recycling.
Final Thoughts
After spending a day dumpster diving in Cape Coral, I’ve come to some final thoughts. Overall, I was impressed with the amount and variety of stuff that people throw away. There was furniture, clothes, toys, and even some electronics. While I didn’t find anything that I wanted to keep for myself, it was fun to look through everything and see what people throw away.
The one downside to dumpster diving is the smell. Some of the dumpsters were pretty smelly, and it was hard to hold my breath while I was looking through them. But overall, it was a fun experience and I’m glad I did it. If you’re ever in Cape Coral, FL, I recommend giving it a try!