Dumpster Diving in New Mexico (Everything you Need to Know)

In 2019, dumpster divers in New Mexico reportedly salvaged over 20,000 pounds of goods, highlighting the sheer potential of this activity.

These discarded items are; furniture, electronics, books, clothing and even food, which is offering dumpster divers an opportunity to save money.

So, in this article we will explore the legal complexities of dumpster diving in New Mexico, and offer you insights, clarifications to demystify this activity.

Let’s dive in!

Dumpster Diving in New Mexico

This southwestern state has 33 counties and over 100 cities, resulting in significant waste due to numerous shopping centers and commercial establishments.

According to the EPA, New Mexico produced 2.5 million tons of solid waste in a recent year, averaging 1.2 tons per person.

A significant portion of this waste is disposed of in dumpsters and often includes items in good condition, from furniture and appliances to books and clothing. 

So, dumpster diving is a viable method for thrift enthusiasts and eco-conscious individuals who are seeking to repurpose and recycle discarded treasures.

In Albuquerque alone, nearly 1,800 tons of waste are generated daily, with a significant portion ending up in dumpsters that could contain salvageable items.

Dumpster diving showcases resourcefulness and sustainability, which is offering a unique perspective on resource management in the Land of Enchantment.

Is Dumpster Diving Legal in New Mexico

In New Mexico, there are no specific statutes against dumpster diving; and it is totally legal to dumpster dive. 

However, you should remain aware of certain conditions. 

If a dumpster is on private property, accessing it without permission could constitute trespassing, which is a misdemeanor in New Mexico. 

According to state law (NM Stat § 30-16-1 (1996)), taking someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it is prohibited. 

Even if an item is discarded with the intention to retrieve it later, taking it can be considered a crime.

So, you should use common sense and consider personal and public safety when dumpster diving.

Is Dumpster diving Legal At Night in New Mexico

According to New Mexico state laws, dumpster diving is not explicitly illegal. Whether conducted during the day or at night, the legality of dumpster diving remains the same. 

However, if a dumpster is on private property, entering that property without permission could be considered trespassing.  

Engaging in certain activities may lead you to fines or jail time as per New Mexico Statutes § 30-14-1. 

However, diving at night could raise suspicions and result in unwanted attention from law enforcement or property owners. 

Best places to go dumpster diving in New Mexico

New Mexico, a state often called the “Land of Enchantment,” has great places for dumpster diving. 

In the biggest city, Albuquerque, there’s a neighborhood called Nob Hill. It has artsy stores and lots of cool things to find. 

On weekends, especially when people move, you can find old furniture and stuff for your home there. 

The second-biggest city, Las Cruces, has a university. When students finish school, they throw away things they don’t want. 

So, around the university, there are good places to look for things. The oldest state capital in the U.S., Santa Fe, is famous for art. 

In the downtown area, near the art museums and galleries, you can find art supplies and old art pieces. 

Top dumpster diving spots:

• Construction sites
• Cafes and bakeries
• Garage sales
• Grocery stores
• Shopping malls
• Cosmetic stores, etc.
• Wealthy neighborhoods

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

How much money can you make dumpster diving in New Mexico?

The earnings from dumpster diving greatly depend on factors such as location, time invested, and items found. 

In New Mexico, you can earn from $10 to $30 per day on average by selling or recycling found items. 

Some divers report finding valuable items such as electronics, furniture, and collectibles, which can significantly increase income on a good day. 

However, you should remember that this is not a guaranteed or stable source of income, and the legality of dumpster diving varies by location. 

Best Time for Dumpster Diving in New Mexico

Generally, early mornings, just after dawn, are often ideal time for dumpster diving. 

This usually happens when businesses and households get rid of things they don’t want, right before waste collection services come to pick them up.

For example, in Albuquerque, residential trash is collected from 7:00 AM onwards, so divers might want to start their search around 6:00 AM to beat the collection trucks.

In terms of the season, springtime (March to May) and fall (September to November) are especially fruitful. 

This is when many people undertake major cleaning projects and dispose of a lot of items. 

Safety Tips for Dumpster Diving

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 2003 and 2007, more than 20,000 people were treated in emergency departments due to injuries related to trash collection or dumpster diving. 

So, in order to protect yourself, wear sturdy gloves to avoid cuts and scrapes, and use a long stick or grabber tool to rummage through items rather than your hands. 

Moreover, you should avoid diving in dumpsters near restaurants or food stores, as these contain perishable items that could lead you to illness.