Dumpster Diving at Joann Fabric | Complete Guide

Dumpster diving at Joann Fabric may seem like an unusual activity, but it’s become a surprising trend among enthusiasts. 

In this guide you’ll see:

• Is it legal to dumpster dive at Joann Fabric?
• What to look for while dumpster diving?
• Best time to dive at Joann Fabric!

Let’s begin!

Dumpster Diving at Joann Fabric

Joann Fabric, established in 1943, started as a single retail store in Cleveland, Ohio. Over the years, it has grown to become a leading fabric and craft retailer in the USA.

With a net sale of $2.9 billion in 2020, indicating its significant presence in the crafting market, Joann Fabric has expanded to include over 850 stores across the country.

While dumpster diving can sometimes yield unused fabrics or craft supplies, you should remember that this may pose safety risks. 

With a company so large and successful, the type and quality of items found can vary, and there’s no guarantee of finding profitable goods.

Is It Illegal to Dumpster Dive at Joann Fabric?

Dumpster diving at Joann Fabric, as with any retail location, hinges on local regulations.

In some places, once items are placed in a dumpster, they’re considered public domain; however, this isn’t the case everywhere.

Trespassing laws can complicate the legality since dumpsters on private property may not be accessible without the owner’s consent.

It could be misconstrued as theft or trespassing, and often stores have policies against tampering with their waste.

If Joann Fabric has a strictly posted policy or if the dumpster is locked, secured, or within a fenced area, diving could be deemed illegal.

So, you should research your local laws and even reach out to the store management before making the dive.

What to Look for While Dumpster Diving at Joann Fabric?

When you’re dumpster diving at Joann Fabric, there are several valuable finds to look out for.

First, pay attention to materials such as discarded fabrics, yarn, and crafting supplies that can be repurposed or upcycled.

These stores often discard samples or remnants that are too small to sell but can be valuable for personal crafting projects.

Second, look for seasonal items post-holidays; stores often throw away decorations, crafting kits, and accessories that did not sell during the holiday rush.

These can be reused for future seasons or creatively adapted for other purposes.

Third, keep an eye out for damaged goods. Items with slight imperfections or damaged packaging might be discarded even though they are still usable.

These can include sewing patterns, beads, stickers, and scrapbooking materials.

Finally, take only what you can use, leave the area tidy, and always check local regulations. 

Best Time to Dumpster Dive at Joann Fabric?

The best time to go dumpster diving at Joann Fabric is typically in the evening, after the store has closed and all the staff have left.

This is often after 9:00 PM or later, depending on the specific store hours. 

The reason for this timing is to ensure all the day’s unsold or discarded items are already thrown out. 

Also, dumpster diving after store hours tends to be less conspicuous and may reduce the chance of confrontation with staff or other individuals.

You should be aware of the weekly schedules as well, particularly during times when the store might do inventory and get rid of excess stock.

For example, many stores do inventory on Sunday nights, making Monday morning a potentially more lucrative time to check for items.

Also consider sales cycles and seasonal changes, like the end of holidays or change of seasons, which may prompt Joann Fabric to clear out old inventory.

Does Joann Fabric Throw Away Returns?

Joann Fabric, like many retailers, does not have a single blanket policy for all returned items due to the variety of products they sell.

However, they typically try to restock items that are in new and salable condition. 

They recycle or donate items that can’t be resold due to damage, in line with sustainable practices, to minimize waste.

In some instances, for example with certain fabrics cut to a customer’s specification, returns may not be possible.

In these cases, the material may be repurposed for other uses like classroom supplies for educational programs or crafting workshops.

Their approach to returns aims to balance customer service with cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility.

How Much Can you Earn from Diving at Joann Fabric?

It’s difficult to provide exact figures, some divers have reported finding discarded items that are still usable or can be refurbished and sold.

Profits from reselling these items could range anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars per dive.

And especially if high-value crafting materials or unopened products are recovered. 

So, if you are planning to dumpster diving at Tractor Supply, Ross Stores, For Electronics, or Dumpster Diving at Kohls; first you should check the our posts before going to your hunt.

Safety Precautions for Dumpster Diving

When you’re engaging in dumpster diving at JoAnn Fabric, you should prioritize your safety. 

So, you should wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects, which can significantly reduce the risk of cuts by approximately 60%.

Also, use a sturdy pair of boots with slip-resistant soles to prevent falls, it can decrease slip-related accidents by over 25%.

Lastly, a flashlight or headlamp is essential to ensure that you can clearly see and avoid potential hazards.