Dumpster Diving At Bed Bath And Beyond (2024)

In the modern age of consumption, the concept of dumpster diving may seem peculiar.

However, it can be a treasure trove for those willing to venture into this unconventional practice.

In particular, stores like Bed Bath & Beyond have become popular locations for dumpster divers.

These stores often discard perfectly usable items, offering an unexpected source of value.

Dumpster Diving At Bed Bath And Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond is an American chain of domestic merchandise retail stores.

Founded in 1971, the company operates a chain of big box stores across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.

Bed Bath & Beyond is principally known for its extensive selection of domestic merchandise and home furnishings.

The offerings range from basic home accessories, furniture, and cookware to bedding, bath, and beyond, encapsulated in the store’s name itself.

“Dumpster diving” at retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond can yield surprisingly valuable finds, but it’s important to approach it with an understanding of legality.

Many dumpster divers have reported finding unused items, such as home goods and decor, which may be worth up to hundreds of dollars.

However, these items may have been discarded due to damage, recalls, or contamination, so it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect and clean any retrieved items.

Is It Illegal to Dumpster Dive at Bed Bath and Beyond?

Its legality varies from location to location. In the United States, a 1988 Supreme Court case, California vs. Greenwood, ruled that there is no expectation of privacy for discarded materials.

However, this is a general ruling and does not apply to all cases.

When it comes to dumpster diving at specific locations, like Bed Bath & Beyond, the situation gets more nuanced.

While the act itself may not be illegal, trespassing certainly is.

If dumpsters are located on private property, which is often the case for retail stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, entering that space without permission could potentially lead to trespassing charges.

However, many companies have policies in place against dumpster diving.

Violating these policies could lead to consequences for the company itself, even if local laws do not explicitly prohibit the act.

What Is The Best Time to Dumpster Dive at Bed Bath and Beyond?

The best time to dumpster dive at Bed Bath & Beyond often depends on the schedules of individual stores and their waste management routines.

However, insights from seasoned dumpster divers suggest that the most fruitful time is typically after store closing hours, specifically around 9-10 PM.

This time frame gives store employees enough time to do their end-of-day clean-up and dispose of items they no longer need.

Remember, dumpster diving isn’t just about finding free items; it’s a form of environmental activism aimed at reducing waste.

What to Look at While Dumpster Diving at Bed Bath and Beyond?

When dumpster diving at Bed Bath and Beyond, there are key items to keep an eye out for. First, look for discontinued merchandise.

These are often items that are in perfect condition but are no longer sold in stores, making them valuable finds.

For instance, in 2020, around 15% of Bed Bath and Beyond products were discontinued (source needed), and many of them ended up in dumpsters.

Second, you might find slightly damaged goods, like a lamp with a small dent or a shelf with a minor scratch, discarded due to their imperfections. However, these items are often still usable.

Lastly, watch out for seasonal items. After the holiday season, Bed Bath and Beyond often dispose of their unsold Christmas, Halloween, and other holiday merchandise, making the dumpsters a treasure trove of seasonally themed items.

So here is the list of what to look for while diving:

• Unused or slightly damaged home goods
• Returned items in good condition
• Discontinued merchandise
• Seasonal items post-holiday or season
• Overstock products
• Slightly damaged linens and towels
• Kitchen gadgets and utensils
• Decorative items and picture frames
• Bathroom accessories
• Cleaning supplies and tools
• Small appliances with minor defects
• Candles and home fragrances
• Storage and organization items
• Pet supplies
• Beauty and wellness products
• Electronics and tech accessories
• Office Supplies
• Craft and hobby items
• Outdoor and garden accessories
• Travel accessories and luggage.

Does Bed Bath And Beyond Throw Away Rugs?

Bed Bath & Beyond, like many retailers, has a specific policy when it comes to unsold or returned merchandise, including rugs.

According to company policy, items that are returned in ‘like-new’ condition are often put back on the sales floor for resale.

However, if a rug is returned in less-than-perfect condition or remains unsold for an extended period, it does not automatically mean it heads for the landfill.

The company is known for its sustainability efforts and partners with various recycling and donation agencies.

For instance, in 2019 alone, Bed Bath & Beyond donated more than 1.4 million pounds of textile waste to recycling organizations.

Does Bed Bath and Beyond throw away returns?

Despite popular belief, Bed Bath & Beyond does not simply discard returned items. Instead, the company has a comprehensive return policy in place.

If the product is unused or in sellable condition, it is typically restocked.

In 2019, the company stated that it recirculated 80% of its returns back into its inventory.

For items that are out of the box or used Bed Bath & Beyond has been reported to work with liquidators, recycling companies, or charitable organizations to prevent just throwing them away.

They also sell some of these items at a significant discount in their “as is” sections in some stores.

So, if you are planning to dumpster diving at Ace Hardware, Whole Foods, Burlington Coat Factory, or Menards; first you should check the state laws before going to your hunt.

How Much Can You Make Dumpster Diving at Bed Bath and Beyond?

The earning potential from dumpster diving at Bed, Bath, and Beyond largely depends on the frequency of your dives, the location, and the quality/condition of the items you find.

You might land on brand-new items still in their packaging, which can be resold for 50-80% of their retail price.

On an average dive, let’s say you find items worth $100 retail. Selling them for 75% of their value, you make $75 per dive.

If you dive 4 times a week, you can earn $300 a week or about $1,200 a month.

Remember, this is highly variable and involves an effort to clean, list, and sell the items.