Are you unsure where to begin your dumpster diving adventure in North Carolina? Well! Understanding your state’s rules and regulations is a good place to start. In this detailed guide, we’ll go over a variety of trash diving tactics and restrictions in North Carolina. In addition, I’ll offer some advice along the way on how to make the most of your treasure hunt.
Dumpster Diving in North Carolina
The Old North State has 82 shopping malls and complexes, making it one of the most popular trash diving destinations in the country. The good news is that these shopping centers and malls have 6677 stores. Dumpster diving is also common in richer neighborhoods of North Carolina, such as Pinehurst, Weddington, Marvin, Apex, and Cary. As a result, whether you want to go trash diving in these affluent neighborhoods or buy at malls and retail outlets, North Carolina offers it all.
Related: Dumpster Diving in Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in North Carolina?
Dumpster diving is not illegal in North Carolina. 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 company and private dwelling is considered private property in North Carolina, trespassing penalties may be issued for trash diving without authorization.
There are no laws prohibiting you from diving into dumpsters on public property, such as garbage pickup curbs, in most North Carolina cities.
A person or a business has effectively abandoned ownership rights to objects placed in public dumpsters across the country, according to the historic United States Supreme Court case California v. Greenwood.
If you try to dive through the dumpster while it is still inside a private residence in North Carolina, 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 plainly visible ‘No Trespassing’ sign, and the business in North Carolina 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 dumpster diving in that area. Those aren’t the finest spots to go dumpster diving in NC, especially if you don’t have all of the required permissions and licenses.
Is Dumpster Diving at night illegal in North Carolina?
Dumpster diving at night is not unlawful in North Carolina. In reality, whether you dive dumpsters during the day or at night, the rules are the same. On the other hand, trash foraging in residential neighborhoods at night appears to be quite dangerous. It’s possible that a police officer will be dispatched to your location. Furthermore, trash diving late at night in North Carolina attracts a much larger competition. Most dumpster divers like to go dumpster diving at night because they seek privacy. In my perspective, dumpster diving in NC is best done early in the morning or soon after dusk.
Best places to go dumpster diving in North Carolina
In North Carolina, there are numerous excellent trash diving locations. However, I’ve put together a list of the best spots in NC where you can start dumpster diving for cash.
- Construction Sites
- Hardware Stores
- Video Game Stores Stores
- Yard and Garage Sales
- Cosmetic Stores
- Retail Stores (Walmart, Target, K-mart, etc.)
- Electronic shops
- Bakeries and Cafes
Related: Dumpster Diving at Walmart: Legal or Illegal?
How much money can you make dumpster diving in North Carolina?
The answer to this question is influenced by a number of variables. Many people go trash diving in North Carolina in order to find recyclable items that they can sell and profit from. Others might want to start garbage diving to get food or groceries for their own usage. Many people go trash diving in order to acquire electronics, gadgets, books, and furniture that they can sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
Garbage diving as a full-time job will be extremely difficult to maintain in North Carolina. I’m not implying that it’s impossible. Within two years of dumpster diving as a side hustle, this New York couple discovered items worth over $155,000. It shows that it’s possible, but if you want to make a living dumpster diving in North Carolina, you’ll have to dedicate yourself full-time.
So, how much money can you make in North Carolina by trash diving? In North Carolina, we spoke with ten full-time professional dumpster divers. They all agreed that full-time dumpster diving in North Carolina can pay up to $1400 per week. (Must work a minimum of 40 hours each week)
Final Thoughts
In general, trash diving is not illegal in North Carolina. However, depending on your city or county, trash diving may be prohibited. As a result, double-check the city code for each municipality, which can be found for free online. Follow North Carolina’s “Trespass after Warning” law, as well as local legislation and good sense.
