Dumpster diving is now a legally questionable viral trend

On platforms like TikTok, people repeatedly share videos of themselves diving into dumpsters and retrieving items such as luxury handbags, video games, and unopened cosmetics. Once frowned upon, dumpster diving has recently become a popular trend, attracting billions of views and sparking discussions about corporate waste.

One notable video by Ella Rose, known as @glamourddive, shows her pulling perfume and false eyelashes from a dumpster behind an Ulta store. She remarks, "Theres not much in here thats not destroyed." This clip alone has amassed nearly 46 million views.

However, the rising interest in dumpster diving raises a key question: is it legal? While a Supreme Court decision from decades ago allows garbage on public property to be accessed without restriction, local laws often prohibit diving into trash bins. Many municipalities have ordinances that make dumpster diving on private property illegal, which includes most commercial dumpsters.

Jeff Ferrell, professor emeritus at Texas Christian University, explains, "Practically speaking, dumpster diving is almost always illegal." Rules vary widely: in 1988, the Supreme Court ruled that police could search discarded garbage without a warrant, setting a precedent for public dumpsters. Yet, over time, cities have restricted access, arguing that trash in dumpsters belongs to municipal waste systems.

For example, Wood River, Illinois, introduced an ordinance in 2025 banning dumpster diving with fines ranging from $100 to $750. Similar laws exist in Sacramento, California, and Cleveland, Ohio. In Montgomery, Alabama, diving is only allowed between sunrise and sunset, with potential penalties including misdemeanor charges for trespassing or property damage.

Experienced divers advise avoiding dumpsters behind fences or marked with warning signs. Retailers have increasingly secured dumpsters, creating further legal risk for anyone attempting to enter them. Ferrell, who has been dumpster diving for over fifty years, notes that its often unclear whether a dumpster is private property, making the activity inherently risky, even though he personally has faced only minor fines.

Robin Greenfield, an environmental activist who has explored approximately 3,000 dumpsters in 25 states, avoids locked or clearly marked trash bins. He has never received a ticket or warning, emphasizing caution and respect for property.

The growing popularity of dumpster diving is partly driven by social media and environmental activism. Greenfield began scavenging for edible food during a 2013 cross-country bike ride, aiming to highlight food waste. Since then, he has organized food drives using nonperishable items recovered from dumpsters.

Ferrell also continues diving regularly, donating clothes, tools, and school supplies to shelters, community gardens, and educational nonprofits. "Every 100 pounds I pull out of the dumpster doesnt go to the landfill," he says. "Every sweater I give to someone in need is one less they have to buy. It benefits everyone."

Viral dumpster diving videos have prompted some retailers to reconsider their waste practices. After footage showed a scavenger finding damaged Coach bags allegedly destroyed by employees, the brand committed to stopping the destruction of unsellable goods and exploring reuse options.

Author: Connor Blake