If you want to start your dumpster diving quest in Indiana, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the legalities and strategies to keep in mind while dumpster diving in the state of Indiana. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Dumpster Diving in Indiana
The Hoosier State boasts a whopping 33 shopping centers and 3367 retail stores are operated within these malls and shopping centers. Furthermore, you do not have to look far to find a rich neighborhood in the state of Indiana. McCordsville, Zionsville, Whitestown, and Westfield have some of the top high-class neighborhoods in the state.
Therefore, whether you are looking to go dumpster diving in these rich neighborhoods or retail stores and malls, Indiana has everything in abundance.
However, before jumping into the dumpster diving quest in Indiana, you need to understand the legalities and have a strategy in mind. Trust me, without a proper plan and strategy, you’d be hunting dumpsters like a maniac without finding anything of real value.
Is Dumpster Diving Legal in Indiana
Dumpster diving is not illegal in the state of Indiana. In fact, it is technically legal in all 50 states of the US. If the dumpster has been left at public space like sideways or a curb for pickup, it is absolutely legal to dive them and take whatever you want. Keep in mind, an individual or the business has basically forfeited their ownership rights to the item on the dumpsters left on public domains of Indiana.
However, if the dumpster is still on private property in Indiana; you may be cited for trespass or even for theft if you try to rummage through the dumpster.
Additionally, in the case of businesses like retail stores or construction sites, 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 in Indiana. The business has the right to permanently ban you from their location. Or even worse, you may be charged with disorderly conduct, illegal dumping, or littering.
Therefore, always keep in mind – if you are dumpster diving in Indiana and someone from the business or private residency asks you to leave the location, you must leave the location immediately.
Best places to go dumpster diving in Indiana
There are no shortages of great places to go for dumpster diving in Indiana. However, I have listed the top 5 places in Indiana where you can start your dumpster diving quest and actually make money while doing so.
- Rich Neighborhoods
- Garage sales
- Retail stores
- Construction sites
- Bakeries and Grocery stores
Related: Dumpster Diving at Walmart: Legal or Illegal?
How much money can you make by dumpster diving in Indiana?
The amount of money you make from dumpster diving in Indiana depends on a lot of factors. If you want to make a full-time income through dumpster diving in Indiana, it is going to be tough. I am not saying it’s impossible. A New York couple is making $3000+ every single month from their dumpster diving side hustle. It’s a testament to the fact that it is possible but you need to put full-time effort and dedication in order to make a full-time income through dumpster diving in Indiana.
So how much money can you make by dumpster diving in Indiana? We surveyed 6 professional dumpster divers from Indiana and here are the results.
On average if you commit 20 hours a week for dumpster diving in Indiana, you will make roughly around $227. Here are the details of earnings for each survey participant.
Therefore, yes it is possible to make some extra cash from dumpster diving in Indiana. However, making a living out of this takes a lot of effort and dedication.
Final Thoughts
Always remember a few things when dumpster diving in Indiana. The first is to leave the premises immediately if someone from the business or private residency told you to. If you need to open a fence, a gate, or go inside an enclosed private property; you may want to think twice about it. Those aren’t the best places to dumpster dive in Indiana, especially without necessary permissions.
