Dumpster Diving At Lululemon (Ultimate Guide)

Dumpster diving at Lululemon is a practice that has gained significant attention. 

This seemingly unconventional activity involves dedicated individuals rummaging through the company’s dumpsters in search of discarded apparel.

In this hidden world of “waste retrieval,” we will dive into the legality and the attention of dumpster diving at Lululemon.

Dumpster Diving At Lululemon

Lululemon Athletica is a globally recognized athletic apparel company based in Vancouver, Canada. 

Renowned for its high-quality yoga gear and other athletic wear, the company has carved a niche for itself in the fitness and fashion industry.

Since its inception in 1998, Lululemon has expanded its product range to include clothing for running, training, and other sweat-inducing activities.

Dumpster diving at retail stores like Lululemon has been a growing trend as people aim to uncover discarded treasures. 

Lululemon has over 460 stores in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Australia-New Zealand region.

It has strict waste management policies and a commitment to sustainability, often donating unsold merchandise to charities rather than throwing them away. 

Therefore, the chances of finding worthwhile items in their dumpsters can be relatively low. 

Is It Illegal to Dumpster Dive at Lululemon?

In the United States, dumpster diving is generally considered legal due to a 1988 Supreme Court declaring that if something is left out as trash, then any expectation of privacy is abandoned. 

However, this doesn’t mean you can dive into any dumpster you come across.

While the different local laws might see dumpster diving differently. If you have to go onto private property to get to a dumpster, that could definitely be against the law.

As for Lululemon specifically, like many retail stores, they often discard items that are damaged or unsellable. 

If their dumpster is easily accessible on public property, it may not be illegal to salvage items from it. 

But beware: if the dumpster is within the bounds of private property, attempting to dumpster dive could be considered trespassing.

However, Lululemon, like other businesses, has policies to discourage dumpster diving, such as destroying unsellable items.

While dumpster diving at Lululemon isn’t explicitly illegal on a federal level, it may be frowned upon, discouraged, or prohibited by local laws or store policies. 

What is The Best Time to Dumpster Dive at Lululemon?

The best time for dumpster diving at stores like Lululemon typically correlates with their inventory cycle.

Most retail stores, including Lululemon, perform inventory restocking and clearance twice a week, usually on Mondays and Thursdays. 

This schedule suggests that the most optimal time for dumpster diving would be late Monday nights or early Tuesday mornings and late Thursday nights or early Friday mornings.

What To Look For While Dumpster Diving at Lululemon?

When dumpster diving at Lululemon, there are several aspects to consider to ensure a safe and successful dive. 

Firstly, diving during the early hours of the morning or late at night can increase the chances of finding higher-value items. 

The best days to dive are usually Mondays and Thursdays, as these are typically when stores dispose of unsold inventory.

Look for sealed bags or boxes, which are often used to dispose of unsold or returned merchandise. 

Lululemon’s products often come in distinctive packaging, whether it’s their reusable bags or the original sales tags, so these can be a good indicator of potential finds. 

Always examine the items thoroughly to ensure their condition, and check for tears, stains, or missing parts.

Keep an eye out for some of Lululemon’s most popular items, such as their Align Pant, which retails for about $98 USD, or their Scuba Hoodies, which are priced at around $118 USD. 

Finding even a single piece of these can make the dive worthwhile. Remember, dumpster diving is not only about what you find today but about understanding patterns and timing for future dives.

Here is the list of things to look for while diving:

• Damaged or Defective Clothing Items
• Returned Merchandise
• Out-of-Season Apparel
• Display Items
• Fabric Scraps
• Promotional Materials and Posters
• Discontinued Accessories (bags, yoga mats)
• Packaging Materials
• Store Fixtures and Furnishings
• Sample Products

Does Lululemon throw away clothes?

Lululemon does not simply discard unsold clothing. Instead, the company has implemented an initiative called “The lululemon Impact Agenda”.

Which aims to make 100% of its products with sustainable materials and end-of-use solutions by 2030. 

Unsold items are often donated to local communities or sold at a reduced price through warehouse sales. 

In 2019 alone, Lululemon donated approximately 13,000 kilos of clothing to non-profit partners in Vancouver. 

The company is continuously exploring new ways to reduce waste, including recycling and repurposing initiatives. 

How Much Money Can You Make From Dumpster Diving At Lululemon?

While the profitability of dumpster diving at Lululemon or any other retail store can vary significantly based on numerous factors, some enthusiasts have reported surprising finds. 

One YouTuber, who goes by the name of “The Speedy Diver,” reportedly found approximately $2,000 worth of merchandise in a single dive. 

However, it’s essential to note that this is not a guaranteed income source, and success can be sporadic. 

It’s also crucial to understand that it’s not all about finding sellable items. Some divers are interested in reducing wastefulness and recycling or repurposing. 

What Kind of Items Can Be Found When Dumpster Diving At Lululemon?

Dumpster diving at Lululemon or any other retail store can potentially yield a surprising variety of items. 

These may include slightly damaged or defective merchandise that did not meet the company’s high-quality standards, such as yoga pants, sports bras, tank tops, and other athletic apparel. 

Seasonal items that did not sell before the arrival of new collections might also be discarded. 

However, promotional materials such as posters, banners, or displays are often thrown away after their respective marketing campaigns end. 

Can Anyone Try Dumpster Diving At Lululemon, Even If They Haven’t Done It Before?

Absolutely, anyone can try dumpster diving at Lululemon or any other location, even if they haven’t done it before. 

Dumpster diving essentially involves salvaging items discarded as waste, often with the aim of finding valuable or useful materials. 

However, it’s critical to bear in mind local laws and regulations, as dumpster diving is considered illegal in certain jurisdictions. 

So, if you are planning to dumpster diving at Best Buy, Dunkin Donut, South Dakota, or Petco; first you should check the state laws before going to your hunt.

What Should I Do if Someone From Lululemon Catches Me Dumpster Diving?

If someone from Lululemon catches you dumpster diving, the first thing to do is to remain calm and polite. 

Dumpster diving laws vary by location, so it’s crucial to know the local regulations. If asked to leave, comply immediately without argument. 

After the incident, it may be helpful to research Lululemon’s policies on waste and discarded items. 

Consider reaching out to their corporate office with an inquiry about ethical and sustainable disposal methods or if they have a program for recycling or donating unsold goods. 

This could potentially open a dialog about making these items more accessible to those in need rather than having them end up in the dumpster.