You’ve come to the perfect location if you’re wanting to start a dumpster diving adventure in New Mexico. In this detailed guide, we’ll go over a variety of trash diving tactics and rules in New Mexico. Along the way, I’ll give you some pointers on how to make the most of your treasure hunt.
Dumpster Diving in New Mexico
The Land of Enchantment offers 9 shopping malls and complexes, making it one of the top trash diving destinations in the country. The good news is that these shopping centers and malls have 1138 stores. Dumpster diving is also popular in affluent regions of New Mexico, such as Corrales, Santa Fe, Edgewood, Rio Rancho, and Farmington. As a result, whether you want to go trash diving in these affluent neighborhoods or buy at malls and retail outlets, New Mexico offers it all.
Related: Dumpster Diving in Arizona: A Comprehensive Guide
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in New Mexico?
Dumpster diving is not against the law in New Mexico. 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. Dumpster diving without authorization may result in trespassing citations in New Mexico because every firm and private house is generally private property.
There are no laws prohibiting you from diving into dumpsters located on public property, such as curbs for garbage collection, in most New Mexico cities.
According to the historic United States Supreme Court case, California v. Greenwood from 1988, an individual or a business has effectively relinquished ownership rights to things discarded in public dumpsters across the country.
If you try to search through the dumpster while it is still inside a private residence in New Mexico, you could be prosecuted with trespass or theft. You may be prosecuted with trespassing if you enter private property to try dumpster diving despite a clearly visible ‘No Trespassing’ sign, and the business in New Mexico has the authority to permanently prohibit you from their premises. You may face charges of unruly conduct, 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 trash diving in that area. Those aren’t the best trash diving spots in New Mexico, especially if you don’t have all of the proper permits or licenses.
Is Dumpster Diving at night illegal in New Mexico?
Dumpster diving at night is not prohibited in New Mexico. In reality, whether you dive dumpsters during the day or at night, the rules are the same. Trash scavenging at night in residential neighborhoods, on the other hand, appears to be quite dangerous. There’s a chance a cop will be dispatched to your location. Furthermore, trash diving late at night in New Mexico draws a much larger throng. Most dumpster divers like to go dumpster diving at night because they seek privacy. Dumpster diving in New Mexico, in my opinion, is best done early in the morning or shortly after sunset.
Best places to go dumpster diving in New Mexico
In New Mexico, there are a number of fantastic trash diving spots. However, I’ve put together a list of the best spots in New Mexico where you may start garbage diving and make money at the same time.
- Yard and Garage Sales
- Cosmetic Stores
- Bakeries and Cafes
- Grocery Stores
- Construction Sites
- Shopping Malls
Related: Dumpster Diving at Walmart: Legal or Illegal?
How much money can you make dumpster diving in New Mexico?
The answer to this question is influenced by a number of variables. Many people in New Mexico undertake trash diving in order to find recyclable stuff to sell and profit from. Others might want to start garbage diving to get food or groceries for their own usage. Many dumpster divers are looking for electronics, gadgets, books, and furniture to sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
Garbage diving as a full-time job will be difficult to maintain in New Mexico. I’m not implying that it’s impossible. As a side hustle, this dumpster diving mama earns around $4000 each month. It illustrates that it is possible, but if you want to make a life dumpster diving in New Mexico, you will need to dedicate yourself full-time.
So, how much money can you make in New Mexico by trash diving? In New Mexico, we spoke with eight full-time professional trash divers. And they all agreed that full-time dumpster diving in New Mexico can pay up to $1500 per week. (Weekly hours: at least 40)
Final Thoughts
All in all, dumpster diving is not prohibited in New Mexico. However, depending on your city or county, there may be regulations prohibiting trash diving in New Mexico. As a result, double-check the city code for each municipality, which can be found for free on the internet. Follow New Mexico’s “Trespass after Warning” law, as well as local ordinances and some common sense.