Dumpster diving, or “urban foraging” as it is sometimes called, is the act of scavenging through dumpsters or other discarded locations for food or other items that can be reused or recycled. This practice has become increasingly popular in recent years as people have become more aware of the wastefulness of our society and the negative environmental impact of throwing away perfectly good items. If you’re interested in giving dumpster diving a try, read on for a guide to getting started in Lexington, KY.
Dumpster Diving Laws in Lexington, KY
Dumpster diving is perfectly legal in Lexington, KY as long as you follow other laws and regulations of the city. For starters, keeping an eye on the trespassing laws of your state is a must. Since every business and private residency is considered private property in Lexington, dumpster diving without permission may lead to trespassing citations.
If the dumpster is left on public spaces like curbs for pickup, there are no laws preventing you from diving in those dumpsters. The famous 1988 United States supreme court case California vs Greenwood concludes that an individual or the business has basically forfeited their ownership rights to the item on the dumpsters left on public spaces of the United States.
If the dumpster is still inside the private residency in Lexington and you are trying to rummage through that dumpster; you may be cited for trespass or even for theft. In the case of businesses, if the No Trespassing sign is clearly visible and you still went inside the private property to attempt dumpster diving, you may be cited for trespassing and the business in Lexington has all the rights to give you a lifetime ban from their location. Or even worse, you may also be charged with disorderly conduct, illegal dumping, or littering.
Therefore, If you need to open a fence, or a gate, or go inside an enclosed private property in Lexington; you may want to think twice about dumpster diving in that location. Those aren’t the best places to dumpster dive in Lexington, especially without all the necessary permissions.
Related: Dumpster Diving in Louisville, KY
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Lexington, KY?
In Lexington, KY, it is not illegal to dumpster dive in most cases. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. First, always check with the property owner before diving into a dumpster on their property. Secondly, be aware of your surroundings and what is happening around you while you are diving. Finally, be sure to clean up after yourself when you are finished dumpster diving.
Dumpster diving can be a great way to find hidden treasures in Lexington or simply get rid of unwanted items. However, it is important to be respectful of other people’s property and also be aware of your own safety while diving.
Is Dumpster Diving at night Illegal in Lexington, KY?
Dumpster diving at night is not a crime in Lexington, KY. In fact, the laws regarding dumpster diving are the same in this city whether you dumpster dive during the day or after dark. However, there are some city ordinances that regulate when and where people can dive. For example, it is illegal to dumpster dive in a residential area without permission after dark. This ordinance is designed to protect residents from being disturbed or harassed by people rummaging through their trash. There are also laws against trespassing on private property, so be sure to get permission from the owner before diving on their property.
Best Places to Dumpster Dive in Lexington, KY?
There are many great places to dumpster dive in Lexington, KY. Here are a few of the best:
- Goodwill – Goodwill is a great place to find clothing, household items, and other usable items.
- Salvation Army – The Salvation Army is another great place to find clothing, household items, and other usable items.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore – The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a great place to find building materials, furniture, appliances, and other home improvement items.
- Lexington Recycling Center – The Lexington Recycling Center is a great place to find metals, glass, plastics, and other recyclable materials.
- Target – Target is another great place to find good stuff in the dumpsters. Again, just be sure to watch out for security guards.
- Best Buy – Best Buy is another great place in Lexington to find electronics in dumpsters. However, like Office Depot, they have better security, so you’ll need to be more careful when dumpster diving here.
How much money can you make by dumpster diving in Lexington, KY?
According to one of our recent survey on dumpster divers in Lexington, the average person can make $50-$100 a day dumpster diving in Lexington, KY. However, this amount can vary depending on what you find and how much you sell it for. For example, if you find a lot of valuable items like electronics or antiques, you could make even more money.
Final Thoughts
After years of research and experience, we have come to the conclusion that dumpster diving is definitely worth it in Lexington, KY. The city has a variety of different dumpsters to choose from, and the contents are usually high-quality and interesting.
There are a few things to keep in mind when dumpster diving in Lexington, KY, however. First, be sure to call ahead and ask about the days/times when the dumpsters will be emptied. This way, you can avoid getting stuck with a bunch of garbage. Second, always use gloves and protective clothing when diving into a dumpster – you never know what you might find!
Overall, we think that dumpster diving is a great way to find hidden treasures in Lexington, KY. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you’re sure to find some gems!
