If you want to get into the dumpster diving quest in Michigan, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to discuss some strategies and legalities regarding dumpster diving in the state of Michigan. Along the way, I will also provide some tips and tricks to make the most out of your treasure hunt.
Dumpster Diving in Michigan
The Great Lake state offers 42 shopping centers and malls which are some of the best locations for dumpster diving. The great news is these shopping centers and malls have a whopping 4930 stores operating in them. Furthermore, rich neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, East Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Milan, and Grosse Pointe are considered a paradise for dumpster diving in Michigan. Therefore, whether you want to go dumpster diving in these rich neighborhoods or shopping malls and retail stores, Michigan offers an abundance of everything.
Related: Dumpster Diving in Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Michigan?
Dumpster diving is not illegal in the state of Michigan. Dumpster diving is, in fact, perfectly legal in Michigan. However, you must keep an eye on your state’s trespassing rules and the city’s or municipality’s ordinances and laws. Dumpster diving without authorization may result in trespassing citations because every company and private residence is typically private property.
There are no regulations prohibiting you from diving into dumpsters that have been placed on public locations such as curbs for pick up in most cities of Michigan.
According to the landmark 1988 United States Supreme Court case California versus Greenwood, an individual or a business has effectively abandoned their ownership rights to items left in dumpsters in public locations across the country.
If you try to rummage through the dumpster while it is still within the private residence in Michigan, you may face charges of trespass or possible theft. If a ‘No Trespassing‘ sign is clearly visible and you still go inside a private property to try dumpster diving, you may face charges of trespassing, and the business in Michigan has the right to permanently ban you from their location. You could even face charges of unruly behavior, illegal dumping, or littering.
As a result, if you need to unlock a fence, a gate, or enter private property, you might want to reconsider dumpster diving in that area. Those aren’t the best trash diving spots in Michigan, especially if you don’t have all of the appropriate permits.
Cities and towns have the authority to enact their own trash diving rules. Therefore, it’s critical to not only be safe while dumpster diving, but also to be familiar with the area and understand the laws.
Although the state of Michigan has declared that rubbish left at the curb becomes public property, making dumpster diving permissible, several cities disagree and have enacted their own rules. For example, these three cities in Michigan either require you a license or prohibit you from diving into dumpsters that have been placed out for city collection.
Is Dumpster Diving illegal in Detroit
It is illegal to collect, disturb, or transfer rubbish from the city’s streets, alleyways, or public spaces without a license, according to § 22-3-1 of the Detroit municipal code of regulations. You might face fines of up to $500 and perhaps jail time; if you’re discovered in a dumpster or moving rubbish without a license.
Is Dumpster Diving illegal in Warren
In the city of Warren, section 16-5 (a) of the city ordinance code states that it is illegal for anyone not authorized by the city to collect, pick up, or remove any trash or recyclables placed by the curbside; however, anyone wishing to collect trash or recyclables can obtain a junk peddlers license from the city clerk.
Is Dumpster Diving illegal in Ann Arbor
Scavenging and Unauthorized Storage is a municipal regulation in Ann Arbor that stipulates that no one shall gather or remove solid waste or recyclables that have been placed out for city collection.
Is Dumpster Diving at Night Illegal in Michigan?
Dumpster diving at night is not illegal in Michigan. In reality, whether you dive dumpsters during the day or at night, the rules are the same. Going trash scavenging at night in residential premises, on the other hand, appears to be quite dangerous. There’s a good probability a cop will be called on you. Furthermore, dumpster diving at night in Michigan attracts a lot more competitors. Most dumpster divers like to go dumpster diving at night because they want some privacy. Early morning or shortly after sunrise, in my opinion, is the finest time to go dumpster diving in Michigan.
Best places to go dumpster diving in Michigan?
In Michigan, there are plenty of fantastic sites to go trash diving. However, I’ve put together a list of the 5 best spots in Michigan where you may begin your dumpster diving adventure and make money.
- Shopping Centers
- Rich Neighborhoods
- Cosmetic Stores
- Construction Sites
- Garage and Yard sales
Related: Dumpster Diving at Walmart: Legal or Illegal?
How much money can you make dumpster diving in Illinois?
There are a number of variables that determine the amount of money you can make dumpster diving in Michigan. Some people go dumpster diving purely for recyclable stuff, which they then sell and profit from. Others may desire to start trash diving in order to find food or groceries for their own usage. Additionally, many dumpster divers hunt for valuables such as gadgets, furniture, or books to sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
It will be difficult to make a full-time living from garbage diving in Michigan. I’m not implying that it’s impossible. This dumpster diving mama’s side venture earns her over $4000 each month. It’s proof that it’s doable, but you’ll need to put in full-time effort and dedication if you want to make a full-time living dumpster diving in Michigan.
So, how much money can dumpster diving bring you in Michigan? Well! we spoke to four professional full-time dumpster divers from Michigan. And all of them agreed that dumpster diving in Michigan can pay up to $1700 per week; if you devote full-time hours (40+ hours per week).
Final Thoughts
Overall, dumpster diving is not illegal in Michigan. However, there may be laws against dumpster diving in Michigan, depending on your city or county. As a result, make sure to check each community’s city code, which you can easily find online. Also, obey Michigan’s “Trespass after Warning” law, as well as particular municipal ordinances and common-sense guidelines.
