Do you live in Arkansas? Have you got plans of venturing into dumpster diving in the state? Do you have the necessary details on the job you want to embark on? Are you aware of the laws guiding what you want to delve in?
Then, this is the right place for you to confirm if you are ready for it or not.
Read along as I take you through the world of garbage diving.
Best Places To Go Dumpster Diving In Arkansas
The state of Arkansas has 1069 stores housed in 9 shopping complexes and centers, providing bin divers with a host of options when choosing where to go for their adventure.
The wealthy areas of the state such as Sherwood, Higden, Little Rock, Prairie Creek, Maumelle, Lake Hamilton, and Cammack Village are hotspots when it comes to garbage scavenging, and these have placed Arkansas on the map as a popular dumpster diving area.
The best locations to go trash diving include book stores, construction sites, grocery stores, hardware stores, yard sales, apartment complexes, and toy stores.
Is Dumpster Diving Allowed In Arkansas?
In Arkansas, dumpster diving is completely legal unless stated otherwise. A dumpster diver should be aware of the municipal code, conduct code and local ordinances before going out to pick items on dumping sites.
A bin diver should be in possession of the appropriate permits and licenses to avoid issues with enforcement officers and fellow citizens.
However, the law that guides and strengthens a dumpster’s resolve is the United States Supreme Court case California v. Greenwood, which stated that a person or organization has effectively relinquished ownership rights to any waste deposited in public dumpsters across the country.
Is Dumpster Diving Allowed In Fort Smith?
In the city of Fort Smith, garbage diving is only illegal when it is on private property, and you may be charged with theft and trespassing if you are caught.
A bin diver should be aware of the local ordinances, municipal statutes,and must be with the appropriate licenses and permits at all times.
Can I Dumpster Dive In Little Rock?
Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas, has no law that prohibits the act of trash diving. If the diver has all the permits and licenses, obeys the laid down rules, and acts according to municipal statutes and local ordinances, then he is good.
Is Bin Diving Allowed At Night?
Dumpster diving in the state of Arkansas at night is no different from other states, as the limits are the same.
Diving at night is just risky as residents of the area may feel uncomfortable with your presence in the area, and may call upon the law enforcement officers.
However, most trash scavengers prefer to work at night because of privacy.
What Can I Find In Dumpsters?
There are many items that you can find in a dumpster and are able to rake in income for the diver.
Some of them 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
Related: Dumpster Diving In Oregon
What are Dumpster Diving Safety Measures?
Trash Diving isn’t just a task of picking an item and making money, there are measures to take to avoid injuries and other hazards.
They are:
- 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 someone confronts you
- Wear work clothing and a high-vis safety vest to make yourself look official
- Avoid dumpsters surrounded by a fence or with a “No Trespassing” sign nearby.
What Are The Rules For Trash Diving In Arkansas?
In Areas where garbage diving is legal, there are rules to be followed by a diver, and they are;
Obey Signage
If there are No Trespassing signs or notices of private property, then it is considered illegal to dumpster dive in that area and you will break additional laws if you disobey the signs.
Obey Locked Gates and Fences
There might be a time when you encounter a dumpster that is behind a locked gate or fence. Don’t break the lock and trespass into the area because that is against the law and you could set yourself up for expensive consequences.
Don’t Litter
Have respect and clean up after yourself. Littering is an automatic offense whether a sign is posted or not, so avoid a costly penalty and clean-up after yourself.
Stay on the Down Low
There is no reason to cause a disturbance while you’re diving for your treasures. Keep to yourself and don’t make a scene. Remember that disorderly conduct is a crime.
Respect Authority
If you’re asked to leave the premises, no matter if it’s the property owner or law enforcement, respect their wish and, after cleaning up after yourself, respectfully leave the premises.
How Much Can Be Made Through Trash Diving In Arkansas?
The amount of money you can make dumpster diving in Arkansas is determined by several factors.
Some people go dumpster diving solely to find recyclable items to sell and profit from. Others may want to start garbage diving to get food or groceries for personal consumption.
Many dumpster divers look for electronics, furniture, and books to sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
Garbage diving will be difficult to sustain as a full-time job in Arkansas because you will need to devote the whole time to it.
Averagely, garbage divers earn around $1650 a week in the state of Arkansas.
Final Notes
Earning extra cash through dumpster diving in Arkansas is a smooth procedure. Fortunately for you, it is also a legal business to operate within the state.
Be sure to check the local ordinances, no trespassing statutes, and city codes, and do not forget to apply for the necessary permits and licenses which validate you through the appropriate channel.
