Is it legal to dumpster dive in SC? Here’s what the law says

Dumpster diving is technically legal across the United States, thanks to a 1988 Supreme Court ruling, but the court slipped in some caveats, like state and local laws take precedence.

There is no state law against it specifically in South Carolina but at least one city, Greenwood, has a local ordinance prohibiting anyone from taking anything out of a garbage container, said Casey Fields, director of advocacy at the Municipal Association of South Carolina.

If you’re caught, you face a $500 fine or 30 days in jail. The law says each item taken is a separate offense.

Waste bins outside private businesses are typically off limits because that’s trespassing. And it’s illegal to break a lock securing a container or to take items from a bin that has signs saying keep out.

Find Law says an acceptable form of dumpster diving would be looking through a trash bag left on the curb. That’s public space and therefore outside privacy laws.

“Dumpster diving can be seen as a fun hobby or an environmentally-friendly habit,” Find Law says. “It can also be seen as disorderly conduct in a public area if there are complaints filed about it or someone calls the police.”

The police can levy a fine if you make a mess sorting through trash. That could be considered illegal dumping or littering.

Nevertheless, looking for treasures in what other people consider trash is something of a hobby, beyond just folks who are looking for food to survive or something to sell.

A recent Reddit thread answered a question from someone who says they’ve always wanted to try it but needed some tips.

People responded enthusiastically.

Cardolowkey said, “People tend to give it a sideways look with all the ews and gross and what not. But in my case, once they started to see what I finding and bring home their opinion changed on it. Now it’s like, “What’d you find this time?” Or “Wow I can’t believe they would throw that away.”

Spiritual_Key_1102 advised to wear gloves and go most anytime of day to apartments and grocery stores. “Don’t overthink it.”

Vulturecrowz said they go every other night to a shopping center where there is an Aldi’s and Dollar General.

“Keep watch over your surroundings, then hop in the dumpster. get what you want, don’t stay in one place too long. Check expiration dates for food. If you’re on foot, carry a backpack, and put two or three decently sized shopping bags in there. good luck, fellow diver.”

This story was originally published April 25, 2025 at 6:00 AM.