Dumpster Diving in Mississippi (Ultimate Guide 2024)

Each year, 62 million tons of goods in perfectly usable condition are discarded across the U.S., a significant portion of which ends up in Mississippi’s landfills. 

This has led to a growing trend of dumpster diving, where thrifty scavengers are finding valuable, reusable items, from designer clothing to electronics. 

However, a question comes to our minds that; whether dumpster diving is legal in Mississippi or not. 

In this article I’ll answer your questions about dumpster diving, and show you the earning potentials.

Let’s dive in!

Dumpster Diving in Mississippi

Mississippi, offers ample opportunities for dumpster divers; with its bustling cities and sprawling shopping centers. 

Each year, the state’s commercial sectors and its 82 counties produce an estimated 4 million tons of waste, a significant portion of which is still useful. 

It’s also estimated that the average American shopping center discards about 1.5 pounds of waste per square foot per year.

So, you can find food waste from grocery stores, unused items from retail outlets, and discarded furniture from household cleanouts. 

It’s not uncommon for individuals in cities like Jackson, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg to find perfectly good consumer goods discarded in dumpsters. 

So, for resourceful individuals, dumpster diving in Mississippi can lead to some unexpected and valuable finds.

Is Dumpster Diving Legal In Mississippi

In Mississippi, there is no statewide legislation explicitly forbidding or permitting dumpster diving. 

Legally speaking, once an item has been discarded, it is considered to be in the public domain. 

This principle is derived from the 1988 California vs. Greenwood case, where the Supreme Court ruled that there is no expectation of privacy for discarded items.

However, if a dumpster is located on private property or enclosed within a fence, dumpster diving could result in you trespassing charges. 

A dumpster with explicit “No Trespassing” signs or locked is off-limits. 

So, violating these could lead you to a punishable by fines up to $500, up to six months in county jail, or both, as per Mississippi Code § 97-17-97.

Moreover, local ordinances might have specific rules regarding waste removal and dumpster diving, which can vary from one city or county to another. 

Is Dumpster Diving at night illegal in Mississippi?

Dumpster diving, or salvaging waste from commercial, residential, and construction containers, is generally not illegal at the federal level in the United States. 

So, dumpster diving in Mississippi, dumpster diving at night or day isn’t illegal; until the dumpster is on public property.

Best places to go dumpster diving in Mississippi

In Jackson, the state’s capital and most populous city, you’re likely to find a surprising array of items in the dumpsters of residential areas and commercial districts. 

Notably, the dumpsters near universities such as Jackson State University or Millsaps College often yield textbooks, furniture, or electronics at the end of semesters when students are changing accommodations.

In coastal areas such as Biloxi and Gulfport, commercial dumpsters can be a goldmine, especially those near the bustling retail districts. 

If you’re venturing into smaller towns, you should overlook thrift stores or stores that are closing; they often have to dispose of unsold items. 

For instance, Starkville, home to Mississippi State University, had an incident where a closing bookstore disposed of nearly 2000 books, all in great condition, in their dumpsters.

In terms of timing, early mornings on weekdays are typically best, as most businesses put out their trash the night before. 

You can also start treasure hunt here:

1. Yard Sales
2. Construction Sites
3. Cosmetic Stores
4. Video Game Shops
5. Dollar Stores

So, if you are planning to dumpster dive at South Carolina, Arizona, or Nevada; you should check these state laws before going to your hunt.

Best time for Dumpster Diving in Mississippi

The best time for dumpster diving is typically early in the morning, between 5am and 7am. There are several reasons for this. 

Firstly, most businesses finish up their day in the late evening, meaning that trash is often put out overnight. 

Secondly, this timing ensures you are searching prior to the arrival of waste management services, which typically start their routes around 7am. 

Lastly, early morning dumpster diving can prove less conspicuous, minimizing the likelihood of interruptions. 

How Much Money Can You Make from Dumpster Diving in Mississippi?

Dumpster diving can be a profitable endeavor, particularly in Mississippi where wastage rates are unfortunately high. 

In fact, it’s been reported that the average dumpster diver can make anywhere from $10 to $250 per haul, depending on the items discovered and their condition. 

A highly committed dumpster diver, who invests a significant amount of time each week, could generate between $500 and $1000 a month. 

However, these figures can vary significantly, and also you should note that there are many variables at play. 

These include the locations, the demand for founded items, and the time you’ve invested in selling these items. 

What is a Dumpster Diving Threat?

Dumpster diving is a major threat in the realm of information security; it refers to the practice of finding documents or hardware containing sensitive information that can be exploited.

According to a report by the Identity Theft Resource Center, it was estimated that in 2015, around 10% of reported cases of identity theft occurred due to discarded documents or hardware.

This method of data breach may appear rudimentary but is surprisingly effective as many individuals and companies fail to adequately destroy sensitive data before disposal. 

For instance, a study by the National Association for Information Destruction revealed that nearly 40% of disposed digital devices contain personally identifiable information.

Dumpster diving threat is a significant concern in today’s digital age where privacy and data protection are paramount.