Are you unsure where to start your Montana dumpster diving adventure? Well! Understanding the laws and regulations in your state is a smart place to start. We’ll go over a range of trash diving tactics and rules in Montana in this complete tutorial. Along the way, I’ll give you some pointers on how to make the most of your treasure quest.
Dumpster Diving in Montana
With 5 large shopping centers and complexes, the Treasure State is one of America’s most popular dumpster diving locations. The good news is that these retail centers and malls are home to 443 stores. Dumpster diving is also common in wealthier parts of Montana, such as Sidney, Belgrade, Whitefish, Colstrip, Billings, and Glendive. As a result, whether you want to go trash diving in posh neighborhoods or at malls and retail outlets, Montana offers it all.
Related: Dumpster Diving in Wyoming: A Comprehensive Guide
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Montana?
In Montana, dumpster diving is not illegal. Dumpster diving is, in fact, perfectly permitted in this state. You must, however, follow your state’s trespassing laws as well as the ordinances and statutes of the city or municipality. Because every business and private residence is considered private property in Montana, dumpster diving without authorization can result in trespassing charges.
There are no restrictions forbidding you from diving into dumpsters on public property, such as garbage pickup curbs, in most Montana municipalities.
According to the classic United States Supreme Court case California v. Greenwood, a person or business has effectively renounced ownership rights to things placed in public dumpsters across the country.
If you try to search through the dumpster while it is still inside a private residence in Montana, you could be prosecuted with trespass or theft. You could be prosecuted with trespassing if you approach private property to try dumpster diving despite a plainly visible ‘No Trespassing’ sign, and the business in Montana has the right to permanently exclude you from their premises. Charges such as disorderly behavior, illegal dumping, and littering could be levied against you.
As a result, if you need to get to a gate, fence, or private property, trash diving near one should be avoided. Those aren’t the ideal spots to go trash diving in Montana, particularly if you don’t have all of the necessary permissions and licenses.
Is Dumpster Diving at night illegal in Montana?
Dumpster diving at night is legal in Montana. In actuality, whether you dive dumpsters during the day or at night, the constraints remain the same. Trash scavenging at night in residential areas, on the other hand, appears to be rather dangerous. A cop may be dispatched to your place. Furthermore, trash diving in Montana late at night attracts a considerably larger throng. Most dumpster divers like to go dumpster diving at night because they seek privacy. Dumpster diving in Montana is best done early in the morning or shortly after night, in my opinion.
Best places to go dumpster diving in Montana
There are numerous dumpster diving hotspots in Montana. However, I’ve put together a list of the top places in Montana to start dumpster diving for cash.
- Construction Sites
- Toy Stores
- Cosmetic Stores
- Hardware Stores
- Automobile Stores
- Garage Sales
Related: Dumpster Diving at Walmart: Legal or Illegal?
How much money can you make dumpster diving in Montana?
The answer to this question is influenced by a variety of variables. Many people in Montana go trash diving in the hopes of finding recyclable items to sell and profit from. Others may wish to begin garbage diving in order to obtain food or groceries for personal use. Many individuals scour dumpsters for electronics, toys, books, and furniture to sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
It will be incredibly difficult to keep dumpster diving as a full-time profession in Montana. That’s not to say it won’t happen. This dumpster diving mama earns almost $3,000 per month and has millions of views after only two years of rubbish diving as a side job. It shows that it’s doable, but if you want to make a living dumpster diving in Montana, you’ll have to dedicate yourself full-time.
So, how much money can you make in Montana by trash diving? We spoke with five full-time professional Montana trash divers. Working full-time as a garbage diver in Montana might pay up to $4200 per month, they all agreed. (Must work at least 40 hours each week)
Final Thoughts
Dumpster diving is not prohibited in Montana. However, your city or county may have rules preventing dumpster diving. As a result, make sure to double-check each municipality’s city code, which may easily be accessed online. Keep in mind Montana’s “Trespass after Warning” legislation, as well as local ordinances and good sense.
