If you’re looking for a guide to help you get started dumpster diving in Rhode Island, you’ve come to the right place. Well! Understanding the rules and regulations of your state is a good place to start. We’ll go over a variety of trash diving techniques as well as Rhode Island’s legislation on this side hustle in this comprehensive guide. I’ll give you some pointers along the way on how to make the most of your treasure hunt.
Dumpster Diving in Rhode Island
The Ocean State is one of the most popular trash diving destinations in the country, with 5 shopping malls and tens of thousands of residential units. The good news is that there are 500 stores in these shopping centers and malls. Dumpster diving is common in affluent Rhode Island cities like Cumberland Hill, Greenville, Valley Falls, Valley Falls, Cranston, and Newport East. As a result, whether you want to go trash diving in affluent neighborhoods or shop at shopping malls and retail stores, Rhode Island has something for everyone.
Related: Dumpster Diving in Connecticut: A Comprehensive Guide
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, there are no laws prohibiting garbage diving. Dumpster diving is, in fact, completely legal in this state. You must, however, follow your state’s trespassing laws as well as the policies and statutes of the city or municipality. If you go trash diving without permission in Rhode Island, you risk being charged with trespassing because every business and private dwelling is considered private property.
There are no laws in most Rhode Island municipalities that prohibit you from diving into dumpsters on public property, such as garbage pickup curbs.
According to the landmark United States Supreme Court case California v. Greenwood, a person or organization has effectively relinquished ownership rights to any trash deposited in public dumpsters across the country.
You could be charged with trespass or theft if you try to search through the dumpster while it is still inside a private residence in Rhode Island. If you approach private property to try dumpster diving despite a clearly visible ‘No Trespassing’ sign, you could be prosecuted for trespassing, and the business in Rhode Island has the right to permanently ban you from their premises. You could be charged with a variety of offenses, including disorderly conduct, illegal dumping, and littering, to name a few.
As a result, if you need to enter a gate, fence, or private property, avoid trash diving nearby. If you don’t have all of the necessary permissions and certifications, these aren’t the best places to go trash diving in Rhode Island.
Is Dumpster Diving at night illegal in Rhode Island?
Dumpster diving at night is perfectly legal in Rhode Island. In reality, whether you dive dumpsters during the day or at night, the limits are the same. Trash scavenging late at night in residential neighborhoods, on the other hand, appears to be dangerous. A police officer may be dispatched to your location. Furthermore, trash diving late at night attracts a much larger crowd in Rhode Island. Most dumpster divers prefer to go dumpster diving at night because they prefer seclusion. Dumpster diving in Rhode Island is best done early in the morning or late at night, in my opinion.
Best places to go dumpster diving in Rhode Island
Throughout the state of Rhode Island, there are thousands of excellent dumpster diving locations. However, I have filtered and listed some of the best places in Rhode Island to begin your trash diving adventure.
- Garage Sales
- Shopping Malls
- Clothing Stores
- Cosmetic Stores
- Electronics and Hardware Shops
- Construction Sites
Read More: Dumpster Diving at Walmart: Legal or Illegal?
How much money can you make dumpster diving in Rhode Island?
The amount of money you can make dumpster diving in Rhode Island is determined by a number of factors. Some dumpster divers only go in search of recyclable items to sell and profit from. Others may want to start garbage diving to get food or groceries for personal consumption. Many dumpster divers are looking for electronics, furniture, and books to sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
In Rhode Island, garbage diving as a full-time job will be difficult. I’m not saying it can’t happen. For this New York couple, dumpster diving is a side hustle that pays them over $3000 per month. It shows that it is doable; but, if you want to earn a life dumpster diving in Rhode Island, you must dedicate 100% of your time to the activity.
So, how much money can you make in Rhode Island by trash diving? Well! We spoke with five full-time garbage diving couples in Rhode Island. They all agreed that if you dedicate full-time hours (40+ hours per week), trash diving in Rhode Island can pay up to $3600 per month.
Final Thoughts
Dumpster diving is not illegal in Rhode Island. Dumpster diving, on the other hand, could be against the law in your city or county. As a result, double-check the city code for each municipality, which can be found on the internet. Proceed with caution, keeping Rhode Island’s “Trespass after Notice” law and municipal boundaries in mind.
