Dumpster Diving At GameStop (Ultimate Guide 2024)

If you’re looking to dumpster dive at your nearest GameStop store, then you have come to the right place.

In this article, we will dive into whether it is legal to dumpster dive at the Gamestop stores and how much potential for diving at Gamestop.

We will also explore the safety precautions and the best times to go for the dumpster diving at GameStop stores.

Dumpster Diving At Gamestop

GameStop, with over 5,000 retail stores worldwide, has become a global phenomenon in the gaming industry, reporting a staggering $6.466 billion in revenue for the fiscal year 2020.

Despite its digital storefront, a significant amount of games, consoles, and accessories are still thrown away in physical formats.

Which increases the chances for the most precious while dumpster diving at Gamestop.

This practice offers valuable treasures from the trash that is thrown away by retailers.

Is It Illegal To Dumpster Dive At Gamestop?

Dumpster diving at GameStop, or any other retail outlet, is a topic that exists in a legal gray area. 

While not explicitly illegal in all jurisdictions across the United States, it can be considered trespassing or potentially theft under certain circumstances. 

According to a 1988 Supreme Court ruling (California vs. Greenwood), garbage that is left outside for collection is generally considered public domain. 

However, if the dumpster is on private property or clearly marked as no trespassing, diving could lead to legal repercussions. 

Therefore, you should do proper research and understand your local laws before considering dumpster diving at GameStop or any other retailer. 

Is It Legal To Dumpster Dive At Night At Gamestop?

While dumpster diving isn’t federally illegal in the United States, there are varying ordinances and laws at the state, city, and local levels. 

Some areas may have laws against trespassing or against taking items from dumpsters, making it crucial to familiarize yourself with local regulations before embarking on such activities. 

In terms of Gamestop specifically, dumpsters located on their private property would likely be considered off-limits without explicit permission.

Therefore, while it’s not explicitly illegal to dumpster dive at Gamestop at night, it could potentially result in trespassing charges depending on local laws and the specific circumstances. 

Be aware that any dumpster located behind locked gates or marked with ‘No Trespassing’ signs should be avoided to prevent legal repercussions.

Best Time To Dumpster Dive At Gamestop?

The optimal time to dumpster dive at GameStop or any retail store largely depends on the store’s trash pickup schedule.

Typically, stores take out their trash at the end of the business day, meaning the best time may be late evening or early morning. 

The optimal time for dumpster diving at Gamestop varies, but a common consensus among experienced divers suggests Tuesday or Wednesday nights to be the most fruitful. 

Gamestop typically receives new stock on Mondays, leading to a purge of old merchandise that makes its way into the bins during the midweek. 

The exact timing can vary depending on local trash pickup schedules, but usually, diving after closing hours, around 9 to 10 PM, provides the best chance of scoring finds. 

What Time Does Gamestop Close On Weekends

GameStop’s store hours can vary by location, but many stores tend to operate under similar schedules. 

Typically, GameStop locations open around 10:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM from Monday through Saturday. 

On Sundays, hours are often reduced, with stores usually opening at 11:00 AM and closing at 6:00 PM. 

However, it’s always a good idea to check the specific hours for your local store as there may be exceptions, especially during holidays or special events. 

You can do this by visiting the GameStop website and using their store locator tool to find the exact hours for the store nearest you.

What To Look While Dumpster Diving At Gamestop?

When dumpster diving at GameStop, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind to ensure a successful and safe experience. 

First and foremost, always check local laws and regulations, as dumpster diving may not be legal in every area.

Secondly, timing is crucial. Most GameStop stores have two major trash days, Monday and Friday. 

These are the days when they clean out their inventories, making it the opportune time to hunt for discarded treasures.

While diving, look out for items such as discarded games, gaming accessories, and promotional materials. 

GameStop is known to throw away games and accessories that are not in perfect condition, making them an excellent find.

Most of the experienced divers state that about 3 in 10 games or accessories found may not work.

However, with some cleaning and minor repairs, some of these items can be brought back to life.

Promotional materials like posters, standees, and game guides can also be found in abundance, especially around the release of new games.

Here are the list of things that you must look for:

• Video Game Cases and Manuals
• Promotional Items and Posters
• Non-Working Consoles and Accessories
• Expired Membership Cards
• Store Fixtures and Signage

Does Gamestop Throw Video Games?

GameStop does not discard video games due to the fact that the company actually has a policy of not throwing away games.

Instead, they adopt a business model centered on buying, selling, and trading used video games. 

A significant portion of GameStop’s revenue comes from the sale of pre-owned games. 

In their 2019 fiscal year, pre-owned and value video game products accounted for approximately 21.1% of total net sales, signifying an important aspect of their operations. 

How Much Can You Make From Dumpster Diving At Gamestop?

The potential earnings from dumpster diving at GameStop can widely vary, depending on several factors. 

Sometimes, divers might find unsold merchandise, discarded promotional materials, or even game consoles. 

These items, if in good condition, can be resold for a profit. However, it’s important to note that these findings are often sporadic and unpredictable. 

On a good day, dumpster divers have reported finding items worth anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the condition and demand for the discovered products. 

If you’re fortunate enough to find a rare game or console, the resale value could be even higher. 

However, these instances are more the exception rather than the rule. In many instances, dumpster divers might find items of negligible value or nothing at all.

So, if you are planning to dumpster dive at Oregon, Iowa, Utah, or Connecticut; first you should check the state laws before going to your hunt.

Safety Precautions For Dumpster Diving At Gamestop

Safety should always be paramount when considering dumpster diving at Gamestop or anywhere else.

1. Wear Appropriate Clothing 

Always wear thick gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects and wear long sleeves and pants to guard against abrasions.

2. Use a Stick or Reaching Tool

This is useful in pushing aside trash to reach deeper items without having to climb in.

3. Check Local Laws

Dumpster diving isn’t legal everywhere. Make sure to check your local laws before diving into any dumpsters.

4. Be Respectful

Don’t leave a mess in your quest. If you’ve moved items around, do your best to return them to their places.

5. Beware of Hazardous Materials

Items like batteries, broken glass, and other similar items can pose serious risks. Always be cautious.

6. Avoid Night Diving

It’s harder to see potential dangers in the dark, and it could potentially be perceived as more suspicious activity.