Dumpster diving at Tractor Supply | Ultimate Guide

Every year, Americans discard nearly 267.8 million tons of trash, a substantial portion of which, surprisingly, is still of some value. 

Among these discarded treasures, Tractor Supply, a prominent retail chain, is becoming a hotspot for a unique trend: dumpster diving. 

So, in this article we will cover the legality of dumpster diving at Tractor Supply, and the earning potential of dumpster diving.

Let’s begin!

Dumpster diving at Tractor Supply

Tractor Supply Company, established in 1938, is a well-known American retail chain that caters to the needs of those looking for home improvement, agriculture, lawn and garden maintenance, as well as livestock, equine, and pet care products. 

Sports enthusiasts, pet owners, and landowners across the country rely on their diverse product range. Now, onto the unique subject of dumpster diving at Tractor Supply. 

Often, items that have been returned, damaged packaging, or have minor defects are discarded. 

These might include useful goods like gardening tools, pet supplies, or home improvement materials. 

There could also be seasonal items which aren’t sold in time, or overstocked items that the store has run out of room to store. 

This can offer a treasure trove to those willing to sift through their dumpsters, and can help repurpose and recycle goods that would otherwise be wasted.

Is it illegal to Dumpster Dive at Tractor Supply?

While dumpster diving at Tractor Supply isn’t inherently illegal, the real issue lies in the location of the dumpster. 

If it’s on private property, without permission, you’re technically trespassing. Now, let’s bring public and private properties into the picture. 

Public property is owned by the state or community, and it’s generally okay to dumpster dive there. 

On the other hand, private property is owned by an individual or company (like Tractor Supply). 

Here, you need the owner’s permission to legally dumpster dive. 

Being aware of this distinction can help to navigate the complexities of dumpster diving and avoid potential legal misunderstandings.

Best time to Dumpster Dive at Tractor Supply?

Based on anecdotal evidence, one of the best times to dumpster dive is shortly after closing hours. 

Tractor Supply typically closes at 9 PM, so starting around 9:30 PM may yield excellent findings as the staff would have completed their daily inventory management and disposal tasks.

Another opportune time would be early in the morning, around 6 AM, before the store opens. This is when the unsold items from the previous day are usually discarded. 

Also, remember dumpster diving on Monday mornings can be particularly fruitful, as many Tractor Supply stores restock over the weekends, leading to a larger number of discarded items.

However, these are general guidelines and effectiveness can vary based on specific store policies and local habits. 

So, you should observe the patterns of a specific store over a period of time to understand its waste management schedule better.

What to look for while Dumpster Diving at Tractor Supply?

Dumpster diving at Tractor Supply can be a treasure trove of unexpected finds. Here are some tips on what to look for:

1. Unsold Goods

Tractor Supply often discards unsold seasonal items. You might find gardening tools in the spring or snow shovels in the winter. These items are often in new or lightly used condition.

2. Damaged Packages

Items with damaged packaging are typically discarded, even if the product itself is unharmed. Tools, farm supplies, clothing, and pet food are common finds.

3. Discontinued Products

Tractor Supply also throws out discontinued items. These could range from home decor items to workwear.

4. Return Items

Products that have been returned due to minor defects or customer dissatisfaction might also end up in the dumpster.

5. Promotional Items

After sales or promotional events, you might find leftover promotional materials or event-specific items.

Does Tractor Supply Throw Away Returns?

Products that are returned in good condition – unopened, undamaged, and with the original packaging – are often put back on the shelves. 

However, if the returned items have been used or are damaged, they may be sent back to the distributors or manufacturers, or they might be sold at discounted prices. 

It’s important to note that these actions greatly depend on the individual product’s condition and the company’s return policy.

According to a report from the National Retail Federation, in 2020, US retailers reported an average return rate of 10.6%. 

If Tractor Supply had a similar return rate to its revenue of $10.62 billion, returns could amount to over a billion dollars in merchandise.

This illustrates why effective return management is crucial for retailers.

So, if you are planning to dumpster diving at Burlington Coat Factory, Ross Stores, Birmingham, or Bed Bath And Beyond; first you should check the state laws before going to your hunt.

How much money can you make from Dumpster Diving at Tractor Supply?

Occasional divers have reported finding unopened products, returns, or slightly damaged goods that are still usable. 

For example, you could find a $40 bird feeder, a $30 dog bed, or a $25 bag of feed. 

If you manage to recover such items three times a week, you’re looking at a potential $285 per week. Over a month, this could amount to over $1,140.

However, you should remember figures are highly variable and dependent on luck, the frequency of your dives, and the Tractor Supply location. 

Some divers have even reported rare jackpot days, where they find high-value items like a $200 power tool or $150 worth of animal feed.

A key aspect of profiting from dumpster diving is being able to resell the items you find. Platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or local garage sales can be effective for this.