Is it illegal to dumpster dive in Charlotte NC?

Answer 1

No. Unless their is a lock on the can and not on public property. All others are free game this is the latest trend and why would it be against the law? One mans trash is another man treasure.

Answer 2

1988 the US Supreme Court ruled that trash-picking is legal. But even before that, there are centuries-old precedent laws going back to Jolly Old England that establish as a veritable "right" for scavengers to obtain & keep or sell anything they find in the trash.

A very few cities have nevertheless put restrictions on dumpster diving & local laws should be checked at the library (does no good to ask the police who won't know, won't look it up, but might say it's illegal rather than admit they don't know & don't care if its legal or not).

Exceptions are when dumpsters are locked, are inside gates, or posted no trespassing, or when there specific municipal restrictions which would regard it as theft to remove material from recycle bins as distinct from trash dumpsters of mixed refuse.

~"Paghat the RatGirl" on dumpster legalities.

Answer 3

yes. i do it quite regularly and have even been caught by the cops and they just looked at me weird. they couldn't do anything bc it was on public property.

Answer 4

There is technically no law against dumpster diving, but the police may stop you if you are on private property.