If you’re looking for a guide to get you started dumpster diving in Connecticut, you’ve come to the perfect place. Well! Understanding the rules and regulations in your state is a great place to start. We’ll go through a number of trash diving tactics as well as Connecticut’s legislation on this side hustle in this detailed guide. I’ll give you some tips along the road on how to make the most of your treasure hunt.
Dumpster Diving in Connecticut
The Constitution State is one of the most popular trash diving destinations in the country, with 16 shopping centers and tens of thousands of residential units. The good news is that there are 2293 stores in these shopping centers and malls. In rich Connecticut cities including Weston, Old Greenwich, Darien, Wilton, New Canaan, and Westport, dumpster diving is common. As a result, Connecticut has it everything, whether you want to go trash diving in affluent districts or at shopping malls and retail stores.
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, there are no laws preventing garbage diving. Dumpster diving is, in fact, perfectly permitted in this state. You must, however, follow your state’s trespassing laws as well as the ordinances and statutes of the city or municipality. If you go trash diving without permission in Connecticut, you risk getting charged for trespassing, as every business and private residence is considered private property.
There are no restrictions forbidding you from diving into dumpsters on public property, such as garbage pickup curbs, in most Connecticut municipalities.
According to the landmark United States Supreme Court case California v. Greenwood, a person or organization has effectively relinquished ownership rights to any waste left in public dumpsters across the country.
You could be charged with trespass or theft if you try to search through the dumpster while it is still inside a private house in Connecticut. If you approach private property to try dumpster diving despite a clearly visible ‘No Trespassing’ sign, you could be charged with trespassing, and the business in Connecticut has the ability to permanently prohibit you from their premises. Disorderly behavior, illegal dumping, and littering are just a few of the charges that could be brought against you.
As a result, you should avoid trash diving near a gate, fence, or private property if you need to enter one. If you don’t have all of the appropriate rights and qualifications, these aren’t the ideal spots to go trash diving in Connecticut.
Is Dumpster Diving at night illegal in Connecticut?
Dumpster diving at night is perfectly permitted in Connecticut. In actuality, whether you dive dumpsters during the day or at night, the constraints remain the same. Trash scavenging late at night in residential areas, on the other hand, appears to be dangerous. A police officer may be deployed to your area. Furthermore, trash diving in Connecticut late at night draws a considerably larger competition. Because they want isolation, most dumpster divers prefer to go dumpster diving at night. Dumpster diving in Connecticut is best done early in the morning or late at night, in my opinion.
Best places to go dumpster diving in Connecticut
Throughout the state of Connecticut, there are thousands of great trash diving spots. I have, however, sorted and listed some of the top spots in Connecticut to begin your trash diving expedition.
- Garage Sales
- Cosmetic Stores
- Construction Sites
- Posh Neighbourhoods
- Hardware and Electronic Shops
How much money can you make dumpster diving in Connecticut?
The amount of money you can make dumpster diving in Connecticut depends on a number of factors. Some dumpster divers just go in search of recyclables to sell and profit from. Others might want to start garbage diving to get food or groceries for their own usage. Electronics, furniture, and books are among the items that many dumpster divers look for to sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
In Connecticut, garbage diving as a full-time job will be difficult. I’m not saying it can’t happen. For this New York couple, dumpster diving is a side hustle that pays them over $3000 per month. It shows that it is doable; but, if you want to earn a life dumpster diving in Connecticut, you must dedicate 100% of your time to the activity.
So, how much money can you make in Connecticut by trash diving? Well! We spoke with five full-time garbage diving couples in Connecticut. They all agreed that if you dedicate full-time hours (40+ hours per week), trash diving in Connecticut can pay up to $3400 per month.
Final Thoughts
In Connecticut, dumpster diving is not illegal. On the other hand, dumpster diving may be prohibited in your city or county. As a result, double-check the city code for each municipality, which may be accessed on the internet. Keep in mind Connecticut’s “Trespass after Notice” law as well as municipal limits as you proceed.
Um, you are completely off base…
Dumpster diving in Connecticut is absolutely NOT LEGAL!
Connecticut has outlawed dumpster diving, making it illegal on the grounds of privacy in its Public Act No. 97-110. Therefore, any attempt at dumpster diving in the state can land you in front of a judge justifying how your actions did not risk anyone’s private information.
That said… Sure you can get arrested for Dumpster Diving… But, if you can prove you were not “Data mining” (looking for personal information…) you can probably get away with it… But, who wants the hassle of all that wasted time in court…?
Thank you for your comment! I appreciate your input. However, it’s important to clarify the specifics of Connecticut’s PA 97-110-HB 7030. This law does not make dumpster diving illegal in general. Instead, it targets the acquisition of trade secrets through improper methods, including searching through trash.
Key Points:
So, while you could potentially face legal issues if you’re found to be acquiring trade secrets through dumpster diving, the act itself is not broadly illegal unless it involves such improper methods.