Dumpster diving is a popular activity and it is not illegal, but there are certain rules and regulations that you must adhere to. As you understand all those rules according to your state, dumpster diving while staying safe will become much easier.
From different places where you can visit different diving techniques, there are a lot of things you must know before dumpster diving in Mississippi. So, here is everything you need to know about it.
Dumpster Diving in Mississippi
Mississippi is known as the hospitality state in the united states, and it offers a versatile range of shopping experiences. There are 16 shopping centers in Mississippi with a ton of residential units. Also, there are almost 1200 shopping stores across different shopping malls and centers.
Even though Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the United States, there are many dumpster diving opportunities here. The following are some cities where you can go dumpster diving here:
- Olive Branch
- Madison
- Brandon
- Byram
- Hernando
- Clinton
- Saltillo
- Ridgeland
You can find almost everything from personal usage to selling for all of these cities. However, if you want the highest chance of making more money, dumpster diving near retail stores or shopping malls will be the best decision.
Dumpster Diving Laws in Mississippi
While there are no strict dumpster diving laws in Mississippi, the trespassing laws are pretty strict. Even in areas where dumpster diving is prohibited, you must be careful about trespassing rules. Ignoring a trespassing rule can get you in trouble for other things, including theft.
If you are going on private property with the intention of dumpster diving, here are the fines that you may get charged:
- For the first time you are caught trespassing, you will get a $150 to $250 fine, depending on the circumstances.
- If you are caught trespassing for the second time within 5 years of the first offense, you will be fined $200 to $500 and a jail time of up to 30 days.
- If you are trespassing in a place that has a sign or a warning from the owner, you can get a fine of $500 with a 6-month jail time.
So, your best decision while dumpster diving in Mississippi will be to stay away from private properties. Getting permission will be your best option if you still want to go dumpster diving there.
Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Mississippi?
Dumpster diving in the whole of Mississippi is not prohibited at all. However, different localities have varying rules about dumpster diving and trespassing, prohibiting dumpster diving in those areas. For example, Jackson is a place where dumpster diving or illegal dumping is not allowed, and there is a county department that takes care of sanitation for the city.
There could be such rules for your location specifically, and your best choice will be to stick to those rules.
Dumpster diving in private areas
Since dumpster diving is allowed in your locality, you still need to be careful about it in private areas. As long as the dumpster and trash are on private property, it will be considered trespassing and theft, for which you may consider penalties. These rules apply to all residential units, malls, and stores.
You can look for signs or warnings about trespassing, and even if there is no sign or warning, but you have to go past a gate or fence, then you are trespassing.
Dumpster diving in public areas
If dumpster diving is legal in your locality, then there will be no issues as long as you do it on public property like garage collection units.
Remember that as soon as the trash is moved on public property from private property, the owner loses all rights to ownership of that trash, and you can easily dive into that without any penalties. It also applies to all commercial and residential sites.
With all of these things, you still need to remain low and silent and not create noise because littering and disturbance charges can still be held against you.
Is dumpster diving illegal in Jackson?
Yes, dumpster diving is prohibited in Jackson, and the Jackson County Department of sanitation manages legal dumping, and this department also has patrolling units to deter illegal dumpster diving.
Is dumpster diving illegal in Biloxi?
No, it is not illegal to dumpster dive in Biloxi. There are no local rules found to prohibit the act of dumpster diving. You must be careful about trespassing rules.
Is dumpster diving illegal in Hattiesburg?
No, it is legal when you are dumpster diving on public property. However, it is not allowed on private property without the owner’s permission.
What happens if you get caught dumpster diving in Mississippi?
It depends on where you are and what sort of dumpster diver you are. For example, if you are on private property and dumpster diving without the owner’s permission, you will have trespassing and theft charges against you.
If you are diving in the private dumpster of a mall or a store, they can also get these charges against you along with a permanent or partial ban from that location. Apart from these charges, you can also get charges for littering and misconduct. These altogether can increase your fines.
Best places to go dumpster diving in Mississippi
Mississippi is full of places to go for dumpster diving. You just need to find the right location and go to these places, and you will increase your opportunities to convert the garbage into cash:
- Construction sites
- Cosmetic stores
- Yard sales
- Dollar stores
- Video game shops
- Residential areas
Depending on the place you visit and how your dumpster diving day goes, you can grab the easiest selling stuff that you can sell at garage sales and online marketplaces.
How much can anyone earn with dumpster diving in Mississippi?
The amount you can earn through dumpster diving is why many people are attracted to it. Dumpster diving can be a good side hustle, and you can also take it as full-time work. However, managing it full-time may not be the easiest thing for you. Meanwhile, the chances of earning will also increase depending on how much time you invest in dumpster diving.
Dumpster diving as a side hustle
There are several examples of people earning handsome figures through dumpster diving. On average, if you successfully get good stuff and sell it on the right platforms at the best prices, you can earn around $3000 a month.
Dumpster diving as full-time
Suppose you want to earn more than you need to take dumpster diving full-time. On a good day, you can gather good sellable items that can help you earn more profits. However, you will also need to invest more time. After putting in 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, you can earn around $4000 a month with dumpster diving.
Investing this much time in dumpster diving needs motivation and dedication because dumpster diving every day is not a great day.
Best time to dumpster dive in Mississippi
If you consider rules, then there are no restrictions on time for dumpster diving in Mississippi. So, you can go at any time during the day or night. However, to increase your safety and efficiency, you must visit the right place at the right time.
For example, it will be better to visit the residential areas in the early morning, while you can visit the commercial dumpster diving spots late at night or early in the morning. Just be careful that you are only diving into the dumpsters on public property.
Tips for dumpster diving in Mississippi
Dumpster diving without any planning and with proper planning can change your experience and earning opportunities. So, if you want to increase your earnings through dumpster diving and want a safe experience, here are some tips you can follow:
- Your local trespassing and dumpster diving rules may change every once in a while. So, stay up to date with the local rules.
- You must try to cover as many dumpsters as quickly as possible. Wasting a lot of time at one dumpster will not be very beneficial.
- If you want to be efficient, then visit at the right time. The time when there is the least amount of public out there, you will be most effective.
- To make your dumpster diving journey comfortable, you must carry a bag, a cutter, and a pair of gloves.
- Be careful about private property because trespassing can get you in trouble.
- Make sure to stay low and create as less noise as possible, and do not litter when dumpster diving.
Each of these tips will help you in one way or another. So, your dumpster diving experience and chances of earning will be increased.
Final Words
It is not illegal to dumpster dive in Mississippi and for the effort you need to put in for the amount you can earn, it is a pretty attractive side hustle for many people. However, before you begin with it, check your local municipality or city rules to know all the do’s and don’ts of dumpster diving in your locality.
