Are you a native of Idaho & you’ve got plans to embark on dumpster diving in the state? Do you have enough information at hand to put you through in your quest? Are you aware of the laws that guide garbage diving in your state? How about the penalties?
This post aims at preparing you for the task you want to embark on, and we hope you learn a lot about it as you read along.
Best Places To Go Garbage Diving In Idaho
Boasting 678 stores housed in 7 major shopping complexes and malls, the state of Idaho is one of those places where dumpster diving thrives easily.
The stores include Electronic Stores, Hardware Stores, Cosmetic Shops, and Grocery Stores where you can find that treasure in the trash.
You also have the opportunity of trash scavenging in rich areas like Eagle, Ammon, Star, Kuna, Meridian, Hailey, Hayden, Lewiston, and Post Falls.
Is Dumpster Diving Allowed In Idaho
In the state of Idaho, no law prohibits dumpster diving except it is 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.
In extreme cases, they could ban you 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, and adhere to the local ordinances, city codes, and municipal statutes.
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal In Boise?
In the city of Boise, dumpster diving is illegal if it is being done on private property, and you could face the wrath of the law if the owner charges you.
The law permits garbage diving in public places when you do this with the right permits and licenses.
Related: Dumpster Diving In Arkansas
Is Dumpster Diving Legal In Meridian?
The city of Meridian has strict laws when it comes to garbage diving, and they expect divers to follow as they embark on the task.
Diving on private property, dumpster, or business premises could lead to jail terms or fines if the owner decided to file a case because he/she feels threatened by your presence.
Trash diving on public properties is lawful, as the ordinances favor dumpster divers.
Is Dumpster Diving Allowed At Night In Idaho?
Diving at night in the state of Idaho is legal because the state has the same limits set for dumpster diving during the day and in the night.
Most dumpster divers love to work at night because of privacy, but it is risky because it poses a threat to the security of the area in which they are.
They may have the law enforcement officers to contend with if the residents deem it fit.
What Can I Find In Dumpsters?
There are many items you can find in a dumpster and can make money from as a 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?
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 Dumpster Diving In Idaho?
In areas where garbage diving is legal, there are rules to be followed by a diver. 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.
What Are The Penalties For Dump Diving In Idaho?
Below are the penalties that come with breaking the laws guiding dumpster diving in Idaho:
Trespassing
In Idaho, this is considered a serious criminal offense, and could be considered a fourth-degree misdemeanor if a diver is to be convicted.
The penalty is usually 30 days in jail or a payable fine of $250.
Disorderly Conduct
In Idaho, disorderly conduct includes excessive noise, public intoxication and fighting under the conduct code.
Any dumpster diver caught disturbing the public will be charged with fourth-degree misdemeanor with jail time or fines in the range of $150 and $1000.
Identity Theft
Theft is classified but not limited to forgery, credit card fraud, computer hacking, deception, and withholding property belonging to another.
If you’re deemed guilty of identity theft, you will be looking at paying fines from less than $1,000.00 to more than $150,000.00 and up to eight years of jail time.
Vandalism
Vandalism lesser than $75,000 will result in a diver being charged with a fifth-degree felony and could face five years of probation with six to twelve- months of jail time or $2500 in fines.
A higher penalty awaits the bin diver if the damage done is more than $75,000.
Littering
In Idaho, the law defines litter as any trash that is thrown, discarded, or dropped onto public or private property that is not owned by the individual.
It is also against the law in Idaho to throw litter into the waterways. If they catch you littering, you could get sixty days in jail and/or you will have to pay fines up to $500.00.
How Much Can I Make From Dumpster Diving In Idaho?
Trying to guess the exact amount being raked in by dumpster divers in Idaho is a hard task 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 Idaho earns $1800 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.
Final Notes
Earning extra income through dumpster diving in Idaho 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.