While Mesa, AZ is not the first place you think of when you think of dumpster diving, it is a hidden gem for those in the know. With a population of over 509,000, there are plenty of opportunities to find good food that has been thrown away. If you’re not familiar with dumpster diving, it is the act of going through commercial and residential garbage bins to find food that has been thrown away. While this may seem icky to some, it is a great way to reduce food waste and save money on groceries. In this blog post, we will explore the best places to dumpster dive in Mesa, AZ. From grocery stores to restaurants, there are plenty of places to find good food that has otherwise been wasted.
Dumpster Diving Laws in Mesa, AZ
Dumpster diving is legal in Mesa, AZ as long as the following guidelines are followed:
- All dumpsters must be on private property,
- Divers must have permission from the owner of the property to access the dumpster,
- Divers must not break any laws while on the property or while accessing the dumpster (e.g., trespassing, vandalism, etc.).
With that said, there are still a few things to keep in mind when dumpster diving in Mesa. First and foremost, dumpsters should be considered off-limits unless you have explicit permission from the owner to access them. Secondly, even if you do have permission from the owner, be sure to obey all other laws while on the property or accessing the dumpster—things like trespassing, vandalism, and so forth.
Furthermore, the municipal code of Mesa, AZ Section 8-3-10 states the following:
- No person, unless authorized by the owner of the solid waste, may remove, collect, or disturb solid waste in a container that is set out for collection for the purposes of recycling or disposal by the City, its agents, or a permittee. (3198,3813)
- No person, unless authorized by the City, may remove, collect, or disturb recyclable materials deposited for collection at any of the City’s designated recycling drop-off and collection centers. (3198)
Related: Dumpster Diving in Tucson, AZ
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Mesa, AZ?
Dumpster diving, or the act of scavenging through trash receptacles for food or other items, is not illegal in the city of Mesa, AZ. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind if you plan on dumpster diving in this city.
First, it is important to only dumpster dive in areas where it is safe to do so. This means avoiding areas with high traffic or where there may be hazardous materials present. Second, always use gloves and other protective gear when dumpster diving to protect yourself from sharp objects or harmful bacteria.
Finally, be sure to dispose of any garbage properly once you have finished going through it. Do not leave any trash behind in the dumpster or in the surrounding area. By following these simple guidelines, you can safely and legally enjoy dumpster diving in Mesa, AZ!
Is Dumpster Diving at night Illegal in Mesa, AZ?
Dumpster diving laws in Mesa, AZ are the same whether it’s day or night. While dumpster diving is not technically illegal at night, there are some city ordinances in Mesa, AZ that limit when and where people can do it.
For example, it is against the law to dumpster dive in a residential area between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am. Additionally, Mesa has an ordinance prohibiting “scavenging” in dumpsters that are located within 25 feet of a business or public place.
Violating either of these ordinances can result in a misdemeanor charge. If you’re caught dumpster diving in Mesa, you may be fined up to $500.
While there are some restrictions on dumpster diving in Mesa, AZ, it is still possible to do it legally if you know where to look and what to avoid. For instance, many restaurants will put their excess food in dumpsters that are located away from prying eyes. You can also check with your local waste management company to see if they have any designated areas for people to scavenge through recycling and trash.
Best Places to Dumpster Dive in Mesa, AZ?
Mesa, AZ is home to many great places to dumpster dive. Here are some of the best:
- Walmart: You can find a lot of good stuff in Walmart’s dumpsters, including food, clothes, and sometimes even electronics.
- Target: Target’s dumpsters are also a good source of clothing, food, and other items.
- Grocery Stores: Grocery stores are a great place to find food that is still edible but has been thrown out.
- Office Buildings: Office buildings often throw out lots of paper products and other office supplies that can be reused.
- Colleges and Universities: Colleges and universities often have dumpsters full of textbooks, furniture, and other items that can be used or resold.
How much money can you make by dumpster diving in Mesa, AZ?
Dumpster diving, or scavenging through trash for valuable items, can be a lucrative way to make money in Mesa, AZ. You can find everything from discarded electronics and appliances to clothes and furniture in dumpsters. With a little bit of effort, you can turn these items into cash.
Here are a few tips to maximize your profit while dumpster diving in Mesa:
- Know where to look. The best place to start your search is near apartment complexes and businesses that generate a lot of waste. These areas are likely to have high-quality items that are still in good condition.
- Timing is everything. Dumpsters are usually emptied once or twice a week, so you’ll need to check them regularly to find the best stuff. The early bird gets the worm!
- Be prepared to get dirty. Dumpsters can be smelly and full of garbage, so you’ll need to wear gloves and old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Have a plan for what to do with the items you find. Once you’ve collected a few treasures, figure out how you’re going to sell them. Online classified websites like Craigslist and eBay are great resources for finding buyers for your goods.
With a little bit of elbow grease, dumpster diving can be a great way to make extra money in Mesa, AZ!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, dumpster diving in Mesa, AZ can be a great way to find some hidden treasures. Just make sure that you are careful and respectful of other people’s property. With a little bit of effort, you can really score some amazing finds!
