Are you thinking of starting your dumpster diving quest in Mississippi and you don’t know where to start?
Are you aware of the laws regarding dumpster diving in Mississippi and its cities?
Do you even know the places to go that are best for dumpster divers in Mississippi?
If you are considering dumpster diving, then this guide is for you.
Here, you will find answers to those questions and much more information you need about dumpster diving.
Dumpster Diving in Mississippi
Mississippi, which is also known as The Hospitality State, is part of the most famous states for dumpster diving.
Dumpster diving or trash-picking is an exciting way to find free items to reuse re-purpose and recreate.
There are over ten thousand residential houses with 16 shopping malls that have close to 1199 stores operating in these malls.
There is a higher rate of dumpster diving in cities like Madison, Brandon, Hernando, Byram, Olive Branch, Saltillo, Clinton, Ridgeland, etc. backseat they are considered rich neighborhoods.
Basically, Mississippi has all you need as a dumpster diver, ranging from shopping malls to stores, residential units, etc.
Is Dumpster Diving in Mississippi Legal?
In Mississippi, dumpster diving is not illegal. Dumpster diving is permitted in all the states in the US, but these states are allowed to formulate their own laws regarding dumpster diving.
However, before diving into any dumpster in any city you are in, always get to know about the laws of the city to avoid charges and fines.
There are NO Trespassing laws operating in all states which is why you shouldn’t just go dumpster diving on private properties without permits.
There are no rules against diving into dumpsters placed in public places as the owner has lost ownership right to the dumpster.
You can be charged with trespassing, loitering, etc if found dumpster diving on private properties which could attract fines. This is why it is advisable to stay away from locked or private properties.
Is Dumpster Diving Legal in Ridgeland?
Dumpster diving in Ridgeland is legal. It is allowed to dive into dumpsters on public properties, and in places where there is a NO TRESPASSING sign.
Is Dumpster Diving Legal in Jackson?
There are no laws against dumpster diving in Jackson, only that you will be charged and fined if caught on private property.
If you are caught trespassing on a property with a NO TRESPASSING sign, you will be charged with trespassing and fined based on the incident.
You can be fined for loitering in Jackson. Therefore, it is essential that you watch out for a NO TRESPASSING sign or stay away from dumpster diving on private property.
Is Dumpster Diving Legal in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg is one of the cities in Mississippi where it is legal to dumpster dive. You need to consider starting your dumpster quest in this city.
Trespassing and loitering are also illegal in Hattiesburg and you should expect a fine if caught. In some cases, you might be facing a term in jail.
Is Dumpster Diving in Mississippi at Night Legal?
Dumpster diving at night is legal in Mississippi. In fact, most dumpster divers prefer to go dumpster diving at night, unlike during the day.
Dumpster at night provides privacy, but the competition is high and sometimes is dangerous. The best time to go dumpster diving is early in the morning.
Almost all the stores in shopping malls dispose of their refuse early in the morning which gives you an edge over others.
However, scavenging trash cans at night in residential areas can lead to getting an officer deployed to the area.
In addition, you may not see the NO TRESPASSING sign on a property which can lead to trouble if you are caught on the property.
How much can you make as a dumpster diver in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the amount of profit you make from dumpster diving is dependent on factors like:
- What you are collecting like recyclables, gadgets, electronics, groceries, furniture, etc. These items are worth more than the others when sold.
- The amount of time you put into it, etc.
You can make up to $3000 per month as a dumpster in Mississippi, but you have to be a full-time dumpster diver to make as much as that.
Places to Go Dumpster Diving in Mississippi
Mississippi offers a lot of places you can go to dumpster dive, which is why the state is known to be one of the places dumpsters consider when starting their quest.
Some the places are:
- Rich Neighborhoods
- Garage sales
- Retail stores
- Video Game Shops
- Dollar Stores, etc.
Safety Rules/Tips for Dumpster Divers
You can adhere to the following safety tips as a dumpster diver. There are:
- Always wear clothes with long sleeves and long trousers to cover your arms and legs.
- Put on shoes that cover your toes to avoid running into nails or snakes.
- Use a long pole to search through trash cans. Avoid using your hands or put on gloves if you must.
- Do not enter private properties without getting permission
- Always clean up the mess made while searching through the trash can.
Related: Dumpster Diving in Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
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What stores are best for dumpster diving?
Answer – Big box stores are the best you can go to. You can find free items like clothes, gadgets, electronics, etc. in their dumpster.
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What’s the best time to go dumpster diving?
Answer – The best time to go dumpster diving is early in the morning. Most stores dispose of their refuse early in the morning.
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How much money can you make dumpster diving?
Answer – This depends on the amount of time you put into it and what you collect. with full-time diving, you can make up to $3000 monthly.
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What should I look for when dumpster diving?
Answer – You can collect recyclables, groceries, food to make compost, electronics, etc.
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Can you get sick from dumpster diving?
Answer – There is also a possibility of becoming ill from bacteria, especially in the summer; the dumpsters themselves breed bacteria and get sprayed with pesticides.
Final Thoughts
Dumpster diving in Mississippi is definitely legal, but each state has the right to make its own laws in regard to dumpster diving.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the laws of the city you are in and always pay attention to a NO TRESPASSING sign.
Also, avoid going into private properties to dumpster dive and endeavor to follow the safety tips stated in this guide.
In a nutshell, Mississippi is a state to consider if you want to start your dumpster diving quest.
