Dumpster diving can be your fun way of generating passive income when you take it as a side hustle. However, that is not as easy as it sounds. That’s why we are here with your complete guide to dumpster diving in Delaware because there are some rules that you must follow.
Additionally, this guide includes some tips and best practices that will increase your chances of earning more by visiting the same dumpsters as before.
Dumpster Diving in Delaware
If you are in Delaware and you are thinking of starting dumpster diving, then you are lucky as it is one of the richest states in the USA. It has thousands of residential units where you can find valuable items in the trash.
However, dumpster diving in Delaware is not only about residential units because 3 major shopping facilities with over 350 malls and shopping centers also provide a good commercial dumpster diving experience. Delaware has some cities where you can expect great dumpster diving experience, including the following:
- South Bethany
- Fenwick Island
- Henlopen Acres
- Dewey Beach
- Greenville
- Hockessin
Dumpster diving in these places’ commercial and residential units will surely help you earn some extra money.
Dumpster Diving Laws in Delaware
Even though it is among the richest states in the USA, and you get so many good earning opportunities through dumpster diving, it does not allow going inside private properties. Delaware has some strict laws for trespassers.
There could be huge fines and long jail times for trespassing into someone’s property without asking. Below is the list of the trespassing charges and the fines you may have to pay for each one:
- Summary offense: up to $300 fine/3 months of prison time
- Third degree misdemeanor: up to $2500 fine/12 months of prison time
- Second degree misdemeanor: up to $5000 fine/24 months of prison time
- First degree misdemeanor: up to $10000 of fine/5 years of prison time
- Third degree felony: up to $15000 fine/7 years of prison time
- Second degree felony: up to $25000 of fine/10 years of prison time
With fines and imprisonment periods being this much, you must stay away from private properties as much as possible. Remember that these fines against you may vary in the situation where you are caught.
Is dumpster diving illegal in Delaware?
No, there are no rules prohibiting you from dumpster diving in Delaware, but the rules in different localities may differ from the state laws. It is because some cities and municipalities have changed the rules regarding dumpster diving and trespassing. So, before you begin, check the updated local rules so you don’t welcome any unwanted issues towards yourself.
Most communities and localities in Delaware will have no issues regarding dumpster diving on public properties. However, when a dumpster is present on private property, you have no right to dive into it. That will not only be known as trespassing but it can also be caused by theft, resulting in even more criminal charges.
Whenever a trashcan is on private property, you must look for gates, locks, fences, and most importantly, the No-Trespassing signs. It is because if there are any of these there and you still go in that property, you can be in a lot of trouble when caught.
On the other hand, dumpster diving on public property will have no issues. So, if you want something from private properties, you may wait for the owner to move that trash to public property, request them to do so, or ask their permission to walk into their property and dive in their dumpsters.
You can get permission from both residential property owners and commercial property owners/managers about diving in the trash present on their property.
Related article: All you need to know about Dumpster diving
Is dumpster diving illegal in Wilmington, Delaware?
No, it is allowed in Wilmington to dumpster dive publicly. However, no rules here allow you to visit private properties for dumpster diving.
Is dumpster diving illegal in Dover, Delaware?
No, you will not find any laws in Dover that prohibit you from dumpster diving if you stay on public property. Follow private property and trespassing rules on private properties.
Is dumpster diving illegal in Newark, Delaware?
No, Newark has no rules that make dumpster diving illegal here. However, Newark has strict trespassing rules, so following them is necessary to stay safe from heavy fines.
What happens when you are caught dumpster diving in Delaware?
Getting caught in Delaware while you are illegally dumping can be problematic. If you are on public property, it will be known as illegal dumping if you create any disturbance, excessive noise, or littering. However, if you are on private property where you are not allowed, and you are caught, it can be a very problematic situation for you.
There are some trespassing fines with jail time that you may face, and in the worst case, you will also be banned from the location. These bans can be permanent or temporary, depending on the situation.
Best places to go dumpster diving in Delaware
Delaware has thousands of dumpster diving spots that can be a part of your daily trips. The rich residential neighborhoods can provide valuable items you may sell for a good amount.
However, ensure that you are not visiting residential areas late at night as you don’t want to cause any disturbance resulting in unnecessary issues. Apart from that, here is the list of the places that you must visit
- Hardware stores
- Shopping malls
- Grocery and Shopping stores
- Garage sales
- Cosmetic stores
From these places, you can find all sorts of stuff.
How much can you earn with dumpster diving in Delaware?
Dumpster diving can help you earn well if you do everything correctly. While several factors affect overall earnings, sometimes you can earn even more than that. It is essential to consider that dumpster diving does not assure that you will get something valuable every day.
That’s why the earning through it can also be unstable where one month you earn so good while the other month you don’t find good earning opportunities. The factors affecting your earnings through dumpster diving include:
- How much time are you spending at the dumpsters
- At what time are you visiting the dumpsters
- What places are you picking up to dumpster dive at
- How much time do you spend at each dumpster
- Are you collecting stuff only for selling or for personal usage as well
Considering that you are doing the best for all these factors, you can earn around $4000 monthly in Delaware if you take it as your full-time source of earning. If that is not easy for you, you may take it as a part-time source of earning where you can still earn up to $3000 in a good month.
Best time to dumpster dive in Delaware
The best time to go dumpster diving depends on your visiting place. From the legal perspective, there will be no issues at any time of the day. However, if you want the best results, then here are the timelines that you must follow:
- Visit the residential areas early in the morning before the garbage truck because most people will be taking out their trash at that time
- Visit the commercial areas by following their routines. Some places may throw their trash out when opening, while some when closing.
Tips for Dumpster Diving in Delaware
As a dumpster diver, you don’t want to waste any of your time and want the best results from every dumpster diving trip. There are several mistakes divers make, and following these tips will bring the best results for you:
- Try finding a dumpster diving partner and go together. It helps cover more dumpsters in less time, so your chances of finding more valuable stuff will increase.
- Always stay equipped with the tools you need. Some common tools will include a box cutter knife and a flashlight to look for stuff inside the dumpster.
- While visiting the commercial areas, follow a routine according to when those places throw out their trash.
- Create a route map of dumpsters that you will follow every day, and never stop by a dumpster that is not on that map
- Stay low and clear and never create any disturbance or other bad activities to stay safe while you dumpster dive.
- Always look out for the private property signs so you never get in trouble.
By following all these tips, you will have much better results from dumpster diving in a short time.
Final Words
Dumpster diving is allowed in Delaware, but there are still some strict trespassing rules that you must follow here. If you dumpster dive for earning, you must follow all the tips and tricks to be efficient.
In this way, you will not only be safe while dumpster diving but also earn more with the time and effort you put in.
Related article: Dumpster Diving Secrets
