On an annual basis, Americans discard over 250 million tons of waste, a substantial portion of which is still usable, making dumpster diving a fruitful endeavor.
In Kentucky alone, divers have reported finding everything like; vintage furniture, unopened consumer goods.
But the main question is whether this activity is legal in Kentucky; and what is the earning potential.
So, in this article I’ll answer your questions, best time, best locations, and other safety precautions.
Let’s dive in!
Dumpster Diving in Kentucky
Kentucky is called the “Bluegrass State” and it has over 4 million residents in 120 counties and 419 cities.
People in the state throw away around 5 million tons of trash each year.
That’s enough trash to fill four Kentucky Derby stadiums if each person weighed the average American weight.
About 30% of this trash could be saved if people did things like going through dumpsters.
Kentucky has more than 500 shopping centers, from small malls to big ones. These places have lots of things that are still good to use, like food and electronics.
On the other hand, you can find good stuff near stores and shopping areas near places like Louisville and Lexington.
In 2019, a study found that about 30% of the things supermarkets throw away in Kentucky are still good.
So, dumpster diving is generally allowed in Kentucky, as long as there are no signs saying you can’t go in.
Is Dumpster Diving Legal In KY
Dumpster diving, or the act of scavenging for useful items in waste containers, resides in a legal gray area in many locations, including Kentucky (KY).
There is no specific state law in Kentucky that explicitly classifies dumpster diving as illegal, but you’ll need to understand broader aspects.
For instance, trespassing laws can come into play if dumpsters are on private property or if they are explicitly marked as private.
Also, according to a Supreme Court ruling in 1988 (California v. Greenwood), trash placed for collection in an area accessible to the public is not protected by the Fourth Amendment’s privacy rights.
However, local ordinances can alter these rules, so you should check with local law enforcement agencies or legal advisors.
Is Dumpster Diving At Night Illegal In Kentucky?
According to the legal statutes of Kentucky, there is no explicit law that states dumpster diving at night is illegal.
However, you should understand that the legality can change depending on the specific circumstances.
If the dumpster is on private property or is marked with ‘No Trespassing’ signs, then diving in, whether at day or night, could cause legal trouble for trespassing.
In the state of Kentucky, trespassing is a Class B misdemeanor (KRS 511.070) that carries the potential for up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $250.
What if you get caught dumpster diving in Kentucky?
Dumpster diving in the state isn’t illegal; if you are caught while dumpster diving in Kentucky you’ll be okay.
However, it’s essential to note that trespassing laws may apply if dumpsters are located on private property.
If caught dumpster diving under such circumstances, you could face penalties ranging from fines up to $250 for a third-degree criminal trespass charge, under Kentucky law (KRS 511.080).
Best places for dumpster diving in Kentucky
Kentucky offers you a surprising variety of locations for dumpster diving.
Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky, and a top choice for divers; due to the array of businesses and residential areas.
Particularly fruitful are the commercial dumpsters in the East Market District, an area known for its bustling commerce.
Also, the University of Kentucky in Lexington at the end of each semester is a hotspot.
As many students, particularly those residing in dormitories, throw away perfectly usable items during move-outs.
A 2018 survey indicated that as much as 30% of items discarded could be reused or recycled.
Here is the list of a few other locations:
- Rich Neighborhoods
- Yard sales and Garage Sales
- Retail stores
- Construction sites
- Farmer Markets
So, if you are planning to dumpster dive at Washington, Ohio, or Bath And Body Works; you should check these state laws before going to your hunt.
How much money does a dumpster diver make in Kentucky?
The dumpster diving income can greatly vary, influenced by factors such as the frequency of dives, location, and the types of items recovered.
In Kentucky, most dumpster divers who consistently dedicate time to the activity might find sellable items, recyclable materials, or even precious metals.
On average, if a diver can recover items worth $10 per dive and dives five times a week, they could make $200 a month.
However, if you are able to find particularly valuable items or materials, this figure could be significantly higher.
Best time to dumpster dive in Kentucky
The best time to dumpster dive in Kentucky depends on the legal framework and the trash pick-up schedules.
In general, you should dive in the early morning or late at night, when the chances of disturbance are minimal.
According to the Louisville Metro Public Works, trash is collected as early as 6:00 AM and as late as 6:00 PM from Monday to Friday.
Therefore, a safe bet would be to go diving after 6:00 PM, when the day’s waste has likely been disposed of and the pick-up for the day is complete.
Frederick Perez is the founder of Scrape Dude. He loves exploring and finding hidden treasures in unexpected places. Frederick has been dumpster diving and gold panning for years, turning his hobby into our website to share his adventures. He’s known for his friendly advice and exciting stories, inspiring others to discover the joy in these unique hobbies. His expertise makes Scrape Dude a trusted and fun place to learn and explore.
