Do you want to know if you can dumpster dive at Walmart?
Or, more importantly, if it’s illegal to dumpster dive at Walmart and what will happen if you do?
This article has exactly what you need to know.
Is It Illegal to Dumpster Dive at Walmart?
It’s illegal to dumpster dive at Walmart as the dumpsters are on private property. The only place it is legal to dumpster dive is on public property, such as a sidewalk or curb. If you get caught dumpster diving at Walmart, you could be banned, fined, or even arrested.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- It is illegal to dumpster dive at Walmart.
- You can only legally dumpster dive in the trash on public property.
- Dumpster diving at Walmart is considered trespassing, and you could be banned or even arrested if caught.
Can You Dumpster Dive at Walmart?
So, even though it is illegal to dumpster dive at Walmart, many people still want to know if it’s even possible.
Are the dumpsters accessible and unlocked? Unfortunately, Walmart dumpsters are usually compactors.
That means that the trash gets compacted by the machine constantly as it’s being thrown away, making it impossible to dumpster dive.
On the other hand, some Walmart stores do have dumpsters, but they are supposed to be locked at all times. However, sometimes employees forget to lock them, so you could always try your luck!
While you might be able to go diving in Walmart’s dumpsters if you find one unlocked, you really shouldn’t. And we’re going to talk about why right now.
What Happens if You Get Caught Dumpster Diving at Walmart?
If you want to try dumpster diving at Walmart, you should understand that it is an illegal activity.
This is because Walmart’s dumpsters are on private property. Whether the Walmart corporation actually owns the land or is just leasing it, they still have the rights of a privately owned space (which includes the entire parking lot.)
If you get caught dumpster diving at Walmart, you most likely will simply be asked to leave. However, if you repeatedly attempt to dive into Walmart’s dumpsters, it could get a whole lot worse.
Dumpster diving at Walmart is considered trespassing, so you can be banned from Walmart for a day, a year, or even your entire life.
And even worse, you could be arrested, fined, and even face criminal charges!
The bottom line is that if you want to go dumpster diving at Walmart, you should try your best not to get caught.
Is Walmart Good for Dumpster Diving?
Now, let’s talk about if dumpster diving at Walmart is worth the risk! In other words, can you find good items in Walmart’s trash?
Walmart is considered a good spot for dumpster diving because of the wide variety of products the store stocks. And therefore, you can sometimes find a ton of items in the trash.
Here are a few things people have found in the dumpster at Walmart:
- Sealed Food
- Electronics
- Clothes
- Home Decor
- Electronic Accessories
- Toys
Another reason why Walmart is good for dumpster diving is that, in many reports, the majority of the items thrown away at Walmart are still sealed.
What Stores Can You Dumpster Dive At?
It’s important to note that the only way you can dumpster dive at Walmart, or any other store on private property, is if they give you permission to do so.
Technically, there is no store where it is legal to dumpster dive unless the store puts its trash on public land.
And unfortunately, most dumpsters for large stores are stored on their private property.
But if you’re willing to tempt the law, here are some of the stores where you can find the best items in the dumpster:
- Target
- Home Depot
- Best Buy
- Ulta Beauty
- Costco
- GameStop
- PetCo
What States Allow Dumpster Diving?
Finally, it’s important to know which states allow dumpster diving. Luckily, the answer is quite simple, as the rules are the same nationwide.
There are no states in the country in which dumpster diving is legal on private property.
However, you can legally dumpster dive in any state as long as the trash is on public property.
Conclusion
It is illegal to dumpster dive at Walmart as the dumpsters are located on private property.
Across the United States, it is only legal to dumpster dive in trash located on public property, such as a curb or sidewalk.
While most Walmart dumpsters are compactors, if you find a standard dumpster, you could find a lot of great stuff!
However, it is technically trespassing. And you could be banned from Walmart or arrested and fined if you’re caught.