Dumpster Diving in Nevada (Ultimate Guide)

Did you know that the United States generates approximately 230 million tons of trash every year? 

And Nevada alone contributes a significant chunk of it. But hidden among this waste are real treasures waiting to be discovered. 

From antique furniture to rare vinyl records, the dumpsters of Nevada are a treasure trove for the eagle-eyed diver. 

So, in this article I’ll show you the dumpster diving laws in Nevada, places to go, timings, and earning potential. 

Let’s begin!

Dumpster Diving In Nevada

Nevada, presents a unique landscape for dumpster diving; with its 19 incorporated cities and approximately 335 shopping centers 

So, dumpster diving has attracted both hobbyists and individuals seeking to make a living out of it. 

In 2019 alone, Nevada recorded a staggering 41.5 million visitors, contributing to waste generation and more importantly, the chance to find valuable items.

In fact, Las Vegas alone has about 62 shopping centers, providing vast opportunities for dumpster divers. 

On a yearly basis, millions of pounds of goods, including furniture, electronics, and food, are retrieved from dumpsters.

Which is, contributing to waste reduction and providing an inexpensive way to procure goods. 

Is Dumpster Diving Illegal In Nevada?

In Nevada, the legality of dumpster diving can be a bit of a gray area. 

While there is no specific state law that outright bans the act, certain municipalities may have ordinances that prohibit it. 

In Las Vegas, Ordinance 9.08.140 states that it is unlawful to remove any waste from containers without permission.

In 1988, the United States Supreme Court made a decision in a case called California v. Greenwood. 

“They said that if someone throws something away, they can’t expect it to be private anymore.”

This means that going through someone’s trash is not against the law in the whole country.

Nonetheless, you should also understand that trespassing laws could potentially come into play. 

If a dumpster is on private property or if there are posted signs prohibiting trespassing, then dumpster diving could be considered illegal.

Overall, while there isn’t a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, you should be aware of local ordinances and respect private property boundaries.

Is Dumpster Diving At Night Illegal In Nevada?

In Nevada, the act of dumpster diving at night is not explicitly illegal. However, trespassing on private property is a crime, and many dumpsters are located on such premises

For example, in Las Vegas (the largest city in Nevada), Municipal Code 10.08.140 indicates that it is illegal to rummage through garbage containers.

Furthermore, doing it at night will increase the perception of suspicious activity, and could lead to involvement with law enforcement. 

In 1988, the Supreme Court made a decision (California vs. Greenwood) that said people shouldn’t expect their trash to be private if it’s thrown away outside in a garbage can.

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

Best Places To Go Dumpster Diving In Nevada

Here are some top spots where you might find hidden treasures:

1. Las Vegas Strip: You’ll certainly hit the jackpot by dumpster diving in Las Vegas Strip. The numerous hotels and eateries discard loads of usable items daily.
2. Reno Downtown: Reno has a thriving restaurant industry. These establishments often throw away food that didn’t sell but is still consumable.
3. Local College Campuses: Universities like the University of Nevada, Reno and Las Vegas are goldmines for dumpster diving. You can find anything from furniture to electronics discarded by students during move-outs.
4. Residential Areas: Neighborhoods in sparks city, especially on large item pickup days, can yield surprising finds. From old furniture to vintage items, you never know what you might find!
5. Industrial Districts: Areas like Henderson have numerous manufacturing units which often discard valuable metal scraps. For the savvy diver, this could be a profitable venture.
6. Flea Markets: Lastly, try checking out the dumpsters behind flea markets in cities like Elko. Vendors often toss unsold items at the end of the day.

How Much Money Can You Make Dumpster Diving In Nevada?

Some dumpster divers have reported making anywhere from $20 to $100 per day, depending on their luck and where they are searching. 

However, this is not a guaranteed income; some days may yield valuable finds, while others may result in nothing more than a bit of recyclable material. 

For example; you spend 15 hours a week dumpster diving in Nevada, and on a good day, you find items that you can resell for around $20. 

That’s $300 per week, or about $1,200 a month. However, remember this is a rough estimate and it may vary. 

Some days you might find a valuable item worth $100, other days you might only find items worth $5 or even come up empty.

So, while it can be a way to make some extra cash, it’s not a reliable or consistent source of income.

When not to dive into a dumpster?

Here is list of reasons when you shouldn’t dive into dumpster:

• Health Risk
• Injury Risk
• Legal Issues
• Pollution
• Unpredictable Hazards

Best Time for Dumpster Diving

The best time for dumpster diving is early morning, around 4-6 AM, is a good time to find discarded items. 

Temperatures in Nevada can reach up to 100°F (38°C) during summer days, making early morning or late evening diving more favorable.

Tips for dumpster diving in Nevada

Dumpster diving, or the act of finding useful items in trash bins, can be an interesting hobby if done properly and safely. 

Here are some tips specifically for dumpster diving:

1. Firstly you should be aware of the local laws in Nevada. And don’t dive into the dumpster if it is behind a locked gate or if a sign says “No Trespassing.”
2. Always wear protective gear like gloves and sturdy shoes to protect yourself from sharp objects.
3. The best time to go dumpster diving is early in the morning or late at night, when businesses are closed and there’s less foot traffic.
4. You should also leave the area cleaner than you found it. If you make a mess while searching, clean up after yourself.
5. Some of the best places to dumpster dive in Nevada are behind retail stores or apartment complexes.