Dumpster diving is the act of perusing waste in dumpsters for various reasons including the need to recycle waste, hunt for DIY material, sustenance through food waste, and consumer culture critique.
Even for the right and honest reasons like sustainability and sustenance, you cannot just wake up and dumpster dive anywhere.
Doing so in areas where stringent laws prevail can cause you trouble, either with property owners or municipal authorities.
This act is not clearly illegal in PA at the state level. However, various considerations including public and private areas, local ordinances, health and safety concerns, and nuisance laws ought to be factored in during dumpster diving.
Nuisance Laws
Dumpster diving can be dangerous
In some ways, depending on who is doing it, the act can be categorized as a nuisance. For instance, if kids are conducting the diving, we can expect them to be noisy as they are always playful. In areas where stringent nuisance laws prevail, dumpster diving can attract severe penalties such as fines and imprisonment. It is therefore always advisable to first check and understand all the regulations of the particular area in which you plan on dumpster diving.
Private Property
By default, dumpsters placed on private areas such as driveways and in front or back of rental property can be categorized as private. This is because private individuals have rented them for their private use. Automatically, dumpster diving in such areas falls under trespassing, which comes with different legal implications. You might be met with force, get injured, or get bit by a dog, all for which you will shoulder the treatment liability. If not, you may be fined or imprisoned, depending on the mercy of the property owner. Before doing it in a private area, it is always advisable to seek permission from the owner.
Health and Safety Concerns
Even though local authorities have laid clear guidelines on what and what not to throw into dumpsters, some people still violate these guidelines. For instance, it is illegal to throw hazardous items including medical waste and asbestos into dumpsters. In addition, some people could still put batteries, even after being prohibited. Batteries are dangerous since they can explode and inflict severe injuries on divers. If not, allowed waste items such as broken glass and other sharp items always end up in dumpsters. Dumpster diving in such containers could inflict severe injuries on the divers. The fact that dumpster owners are not liable for such injuries, it is always advisable to first study the prevailing rules and regulations, seek permission, and approach with caution.
Local Ordinances
Most local jurisdictions in PA have a clear set of rules and regulations that advise not just dumpster diving, but the whole rental and placement process. Some local laws may permit it while others may prohibit it. Even in jurisdictions where it is allowed, there may still be clear guidelines to be followed. For instance, some may require you to obtain permits for dumpster diving or simply notify the relevant authorities about it. Violating these ordinances automatically attracts penalties and possible litigation. Since the authorities and owners of the dumpsters in which you are diving are not liable for your injuries, consult with the authorities before you dive into one. It will also keep you at bay with unforeseen trouble.
Security Concerns
Safety and health are not the only concerns when doing this act. You also have to look out for your safety, especially when the containers are in private areas. This is because you do not know whom you are dealing with. You may be risking attacks from mentally unstable and armed people like war veterans. You could also be trespassing on properties owned by serial killers and other types of criminals. On the sidelines of human attacks, are the imminent dog bites since most homeowners may not be aware of your presence. The unfortunate thing is that the law of trespass will apply no matter the severity of injuries sustained during dumpster diving. That being said, we again implore you to respectfully seek permission from the owners of the dumpsters you plan on diving.
From human attacks, litigation, dog bites, physical injuries, fines, and for respect’s sake, dumpster diving in PA should be approached with lots of caution, on any property. It is always advisable to familiarize yourself with the local dumpster and diving regulations, homeowners’ associations, and local ordinances. Having enough knowledge of what you are getting yourself into can help you stay safe and healthy during dumpster diving even in areas where it is permitted.
