When you think of Goodwill, you probably think of a place to donate your old clothes or buy cheap Halloween costumes. But did you know that some people actually make a living by dumpster diving at Goodwill? It’s true! These professional dumpster divers hit up Goodwill locations on a regular basis, looking for anything from clothes to furniture to electronics. And while it may seem like they’re getting away with something, these people are actually doing nothing wrong. In this blog post, we will explore the world of dumpster diving at Goodwill. We will learn about the people who do it, why they do it, and what they find. So if you’ve ever wondered about this strange practice, read on!
Dumpster Diving at Goodwill
When you think of Goodwill, you probably think of a thrift store. And while it is true that Goodwill does operate many thrift stores, there is much more to the organization than meets the eye. Goodwill is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people who have barriers to employment.
In addition to its thrift stores, Goodwill also operates retail stores, commercial businesses, and online auction sites. These revenue-generating businesses help support Goodwill’s mission-related programs and services.
Goodwill’s model of social enterprise is unique and effective. By providing quality goods and services at a fair price, they create jobs and generate revenue to support their many programs. Goodwill is truly a win-win for everyone involved!
Dumpster diving at Goodwill can be a great way to find hidden treasures. You never know what you might find when you rummage through the donations that have been left behind. And because Goodwill is a nonprofit organization, you can feel good about giving back while you search for bargains.
Here are some tips for dumpster diving at Goodwill:
- Check the hours before you go. Some locations may require that you dive during specific hours so that employees can safely sort through the donations.
- Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes. This will protect your hands and feet from sharp objects and debris.
- Bring a bag or bin to collect your finds. This will make it easier to carry everything back to your car.
- Inspect each item before putting it in your bag. Make sure there are no rips, tears, or stains that would make the item unusable.
- Don’t take more than you need. Just because something is free doesn’t mean you should take it if you don’t need it or have space for it in your home.
Is it illegal to Dumpster Dive at Goodwill?
There are a lot of misconceptions about dumpster diving, and one of the most common is that it’s illegal at Goodwill stores. This simply isn’t true – in most cases, it’s perfectly legal to rummage through someone’s trash in search of treasures.
Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you’re caught trespassing on private property in order to access a dumpster, you could be charged with trespassing. And if you’re caught digging through a dumpster that clearly says “No Dumpster Diving,” you could be fined (though this is rare).
Generally speaking, though, dumpster diving is perfectly legal – and it can be a great way to find hidden gems at Goodwill. So next time you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to go exploring!
As a result, keep an eye out for prominent trespassing warning signs at the Goodwill location. If you don’t see one, it’s a green light. If you entered the Goodwill dumpster despite the clearly visible No Trespassing sign, you could be charged with trespassing. This could result in a permanent ban. You could be charged with disorderly conduct, illegal dumping, and other offenses in the worst-case scenario.
As a result, if someone from management asks you to leave while garbage diving at Goodwill, you must immediately comply.
I also suggest that you look into the dumpster diving laws and regulations in your area and/or state. This will keep you from breaking any laws while dumpster diving at your local Goodwill. You can use the search box below to seek the law in your state or city.
What is the best time to Dumpster Dive at Goodwill?
The best time to dumpster dive at Goodwill is in the early morning when the store opens. This is because the store is typically less busy and there are more items in the dumpster.
Weekends are also perfect for going through the trash at Goodwill. Goodwill expects the most returns and refunds on weekends because the store is busiest then. You should anticipate seeing a lot of returned products at their dumpsters on weekends, as we all know they discard returns with damaged packaging.
What to look for while Dumpster Diving at Goodwill?
When looking for good items to salvage from Goodwill, be sure to check for any damaged or ripped clothing, as these can often be mended or used for other purposes. If you’re looking for books, make sure to check the condition of the spine and pages before taking them out of the dumpster. Any books that are in good condition can be donated back to Goodwill or sold online. Lastly, take a look through the electronics and small appliances to see if anything is still in working order; even if it’s not, some parts may be able to be salvaged.
Does Goodwill throw away returns?
Each Goodwill location has different policies regarding returns, but generally speaking, if an item is returned more than 7 days after the purchase date, it will be sent to a discount outlet or sold as-is at a lower price. If an item is returned within 7 days of the purchase date and is in good condition, it can be refunded or exchanged.
So what happens to the items that are returned? Unfortunately, due to the high volume of donations that Goodwill receives, they are not able to process and sort through every single item that is returned. Instead, these items are typically thrown away or donated to another organization. The dumpsters of Goodwill are usually located behind the stores.
How much money can you make from Dumpster Diving at Goodwill?
Dumpster diving at Goodwill can be a great way to make some extra money. You can usually find a lot of items that are in good condition and can be sold for a profit. However, it is important to know how much money you can actually make before you go dumpster diving. On average you can expect to make anywhere from $30 to $60 from a single dumpster diving trip to one of Goodwill’s stores.
To start, you will need to find a Goodwill location that has a dumpster. Once you find a location, you can start looking through the dumpster for items that you think you could sell. It is important to remember that not every item in the dumpster will be in good condition and sellable. You should only take items that you think you could reasonably sell for a profit.
Next, you will need to price your items. To do this, you can look up similar items online or in stores to get an idea of how much they are worth. Once you have priced your items, you can start selling them online or at local garage sales. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to make a decent profit from dumpster diving at Goodwill.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, dumpster diving at Goodwill can be a great way to find hidden treasures. With a little patience and some luck, you can find some amazing things for a fraction of the price. Just be sure to be safe, clean up after yourself, and have fun!