Dumpster diving is not explicitly illegal under New Jersey state law, but it can become illegal if it involves trespassing, theft, or violating local ordinances.
Key Legal Points
- No Statewide Ban:
There are no state laws in New Jersey that specifically prohibit dumpster diving. Once items are discarded in a public place, they are generally considered abandoned property. - Trespassing Laws:
Entering private property—including behind stores, restaurants, or apartment complexes—without permission to access a dumpster is considered trespassing and is illegal. Violating trespassing laws can result in fines up to $1,000 or even jail time. - Theft Concerns:
If you take items from dumpsters that are not clearly abandoned, or if you access locked or marked dumpsters, you could be charged with theft. Discarded property is technically still owned by the person or business until it is collected by waste management. - Local Ordinances:
Some municipalities in New Jersey have their own rules against rummaging through residential or commercial trash, which can lead to citations or fines. Always check local ordinances before dumpster diving. - No Trespassing/Locked Dumpsters:
If a dumpster is behind a locked gate or marked with “No Trespassing” signs, entering the area or taking items is illegal.
Best Practices for Legal Dumpster Diving in New Jersey
- Only access dumpsters in public areas that are not marked with “No Trespassing” signs or locked.
- Do not enter private property or hop fences to reach dumpsters.
- Avoid taking items that appear to be intentionally set aside for donation or recycling.
- Research local laws and ordinances before dumpster diving in a specific town or city.
Bottom Line:
Dumpster diving is generally legal in New Jersey as long as you do not trespass, steal, or violate local ordinances. Always respect property rights and posted signs to avoid legal trouble.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.bindropdumpsters.com/dumpster-diving/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/DumpsterDiving/comments/111dz1k/nj_in_the_daytime_during_business_hours/
[3] https://www.nj.com/news/2018/01/njs_dumpster_divers_the_secret_economy_and_why_one.html
[4] https://catcountry1073.com/illegal-dumpster-diving-laws-nj/
[5] https://scrapsafari.com/dumpster-diving-in-new-jersey/
