You may plan to embark on a dumpster diving adventure in the state of Alabama but are short of the information to guide you. Do not bother anymore, because the solution is here.
We have detailed all you need to know in this article for you to earn that extra cash.
Places To Go Trash Diving In Alabama
Boasting 2140 stores in 21 complexes and shopping malls, Alabama has more than one place, which includes Electronic Stores, Hardware Stores, Cosmetic Shops, and Grocery Stores where you can find that treasure in the trash.
Communities where trash diving is more common are Spanish Fort, Homewood, Helena, Chelsea, Madison, Trussville, Montgomery County, Huntsville and Pike Road.
Surely, you won’t be short of options when you embark on the task.
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal In Alabama?
No Law prohibits dumpster diving in the state of Alabama except it is a private property. They could charge you with trespassing, illegal dumping, or disorderly conduct if you try to search through the dumpster in a private house or be banned permanently if it belongs to an organization.
The best place to go dumpster diving is on public properties, as the law states that the ownership of goods placed on public dumpsters has been totally surrendered.
To avoid stories while embarking on your adventure, it is advisable to have all appropriate permits and licenses.
Is Dumpster Diving Legal In Montgomery?
Montgomery has a law that prohibits anyone other than those that have a license from the local government to search, pick, and take away items from dumpsites.
The above means dumpster diving is legal in Montgomery but for those who have applied and gotten the documents and licenses that validate the job they want to embark on.
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Huntsville?
In Huntsville, the Sherrif will tag you, an illegal dumpster diver, if you are without a license or you are on private property.
It is also advisable to avoid places that have on-site security and stores that work the whole day.
Apart from these, you are free to be a dumpster diver in Huntsville, Alabama.
Is Dumpster Diving at Night Legal in Alabama?
Trash diving at night is legal in Alabama as the limits are the same, but it is risky due to the large crowd it attracts.
It attracts a large crowd because most dumpster divers prefer to go diving at night, but persons may pose a threat to the security of an area and may involve the police if the residents feel threatened.
Logically, the best time to go trash diving in Alabama is during the day.
Related: Dumpster diving in California
What Can Be Found In Dumpsters?
There are many items that can be found in a dumpster and can rake in income for the diver.
They include;
- Automobile Tyres
- Paint Cans
- Car and lithium batteries
- Railroad ties
- Household cleaners
- Mattresses and Boxsprings
- Upholstered furniture
- Toys
- Books
- Lumber
- Clothing
- Footwear
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Decorations
- Sealed food
- Beauty products
What are Dumpster Diving Safety Measures?
To avoid injuries when bin diving, there are measures to take and follow.
They include:
- Wear boots and gloves
- Have a lamp in your possession if you plan to trash dive at night
- Possess a stick or long pole to search for items through the dump
- Check your local and state laws
- Keep a stepladder in your vehicle
- Bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
- Try to be quick when searching through a dumpster
- Try to avoid being seen, but also don’t be suspicious
- Always check for animals such as raccoons and possums
- Use Google Maps to scout for the best dumpster locations
- Have a plan on what to say if you’re confronted by someone
- Wear work clothing and a high-vis safety vest to make yourself look official
How Much Can Be Made By Dumpster Diver In Alabama?
Trying to guess the exact amount being raked in by dumpster divers in Alabama may end up futile because people thrash dive for different reasons.
Some people search through dumpsters to get toys, gadgets, books, and furniture to sell online, some are in the dumpster to get food for personal consumption, and some divers are there to get recyclable items to sell and make a profit from.
Averagely, a full-time dumpster diver in Alabama earns $1600 in a week after working for a minimum of 40 hours.
If you want to be a full-time garbage diver, you should be ready to devote yourself totally to it without distractions.
Thoughts
Earning extra income through trash diving is a very good idea, but it requires you to think and plan well before choosing a location to operate because of different laws which guide different areas.
Go through each municipality’s city code, municipal statute, and local ordinances before starting your adventure.
