Dumpster Diving At BJS Wholesale Club (Ultimate Guide)

BJS Wholesale Club, known for its bulk goods and super-sized offerings, may not be the first place you’d think to find hidden gems.

In this guide we will discuss:

• Is it legal to dumpster dive at BJS wholesale club?
• Best to dumpster dive at DJS wholesale club.
• What to look for while dumpster diving!

Let’s begin!

Dumpster Diving At BJS Wholesale Club

BJ’s Wholesale Club was established in 1984 and has grown to have over 200 outlets across the United States.

As a large wholesale retailer, it reports billions of dollars in revenue. 

As an exclusive, members-only warehouse club chain, they’ve been serving loyal customers in the eastern United States since our foundation in 1984 by Mervyn D. Weich.

Their headquarters is nestled in Marlborough, Massachusetts, but our reach extends to Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee and soon, Alabama.

Some individuals might find it a way to save money by retrieving items that are still usable from retailers’ dumpsters.

However,  dumpster diving at any BJS Wholesale Club location could be illegal or against store policies.

Generally, it is safer and more legal to look for savings and earnings through legitimate channels such as sales, coupons, or membership deals BJS offers.

Is it Ollegal to Dumpster Dive at BJ’s Wholesale Club?

While laws vary by location, dumpster diving is not explicitly illegal in most places in the United States.

However, BJ’s Wholesale Club is private property, and like other private entities, they likely have policies against unauthorized persons going through their trash receptacles.

If BJ’s has clearly marked their dumpsters with ‘No Trespassing’ or ‘Private Property’ signs, taking items from these dumpsters could be considered trespassing, which is illegal.

Moreover, local ordinances or state laws may impose further restrictions on dumpster diving.

Best Time to Dumpster Dive at BJ’s Wholesale Club?

The best time to go dumpster diving at BJ’s Wholesale Club would be just after they close or a few hours thereafter.

Specifically, around 10:00 PM to 12:00 AM could be ideal because stores would generally have completed their inventory.

This is because stores typically throw out unsold and perishable goods at the end of the day to make room for fresh stock.

What to Look for While Dumpster Diving at BJ’s Wholesale Club?

Firstly you should look for items that are still within their use-by date but have been discarded due to packaging damage or overstock.

You may find packaged foods, personal care products, and occasionally small appliances.

It’s not uncommon for divers to come across quantities of items, such as a dozen jars of a particular sauce that has been discontinued or seasonal merchandise post-holidays.

You should wear gloves and use a flashlight for safety, and always sort your findings carefully afterward to ensure that you only keep what is safe and lawful to use.

It’s reported that divers can find up to 50-70% of usable goods in one trip if they know when to look.

Does BJ’s Wholesale Club Throw Away Returns?

BJ’s Wholesale Club, like many other retail stores, has a specific process in place for handling returns that is designed to prevent waste.

When a product is returned, it is assessed for its condition. Items that are unopened and undamaged are typically restocked and resold.

However, products that can’t be resold due to damage or safety concerns might be disposed of, although this is not the majority.

To reduce waste, BJ’s may work with liquidators or donate items to charity when possible. 

This means that while some returns might indeed end up being discarded, BJ’s likely tries to limit this as much as possible.

How Much Can you Make from Dumpster Diving at BJ’s Wholesale Club?

The earnings from dumpster diving at BJ’s Wholesale Club, or any other location, can vary greatly and are influenced by numerous factors.

Dumpster divers have reported earning anywhere from just a few dollars to several hundred dollars in a single expedition.

It largely depends on what you find and the condition of the items. 

For example, if you manage to find electronics that are in working condition, you could potentially resell them for a decent amount of money.

On the other hand, items like furniture or home goods, if in good condition, could net you anywhere from $20 to over $100 per piece.

So, the key here is that the items must be in a condition that others find usable or desirable. 

If you regularly dumpster dive and find a consistent stream of quality items, you can make a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a month.

Explore our guides on Dumpster Diving at Joann Fabric, dumpster diving for Electronics, Kohl’s, and Tractor Supply for more treasure-hunting tips before your next adventure.

First, you shouldn’t dumpster dive if safety is a major concern. You never know what may be inside the dumpster – there could be sharp objects, or broken glass that could cause injury.

Second, the quality and safety of items found in the dumpster are not guaranteed. 

Consumable products might be expired or contaminated, which poses serious health risks. 

Also, dumpster diving  into a commercial dumpster could be seen as trespassing or theft in some areas, which can lead to confrontations with law enforcement.

Moreover, this act can also negatively impact the reputation and cleanliness around the store.