If you list the most popular places for dumpster diving, Dollar General will be near the top. While it’s best known for shopping, many people find its dumpsters offer a chance to earn a little extra or grab useful items.
Some people find things they can sell. Others find items for personal use. Either way, dumpster diving at Dollar General can be a complete experience.
Before you start, make sure to check your local rules and read the tips shared here for the best results.
Dumpster Diving at Dollar General
This variety store chain is known for its low prices. Similar to other dollar stores, Dollar General sells merchandise at a discount. With over 15,000 stores in the USA, it offers plenty of dumpster diving opportunities.
Dollar General stores contain everything from groceries to consumables, home supplies, and different electronics, including toys and a dedicated fashion category. One of the most liked qualities of Dollar General is that it provides a 30-day refund policy where customers can get store credit.
The products they return, however, don’t go back to the store shelves and end up in the dumpsters nearby. It is where you can find all sorts of products for free and use them personally or sell them for profit.
All you need to know about Dumpster diving
Dumpster Diving Laws at Dollar General
When it comes to the dumpster diving laws at Dollar General stores, they are strict about private property laws and prohibit trespassers at all costs. So, if caught trespassing and dumpster diving, you may be charged with theft and trespassing according to local laws. Apart from these, you can also get charged for littering, disturbance, and illegal dumping offenses.
While Dollar General itself doesn’t have any official rules on dumpster diving, you must follow local laws and stick to those laws for a safer experience. It is because sometimes the state and local city laws differ, so to stay safe at all costs, following the local city laws is a must.
Is dumpster diving illegal at Dollar General?
Is dumpster diving illegal at Dollar General? No, Dollar General does not prohibit dumpster diving as long as you stay on public property. Remember that most Dollar General stores have private property where they keep their dumpsters. All the trash is discarded into those bins before it is moved to public property.
So, you should wait for that trash to be moved to public property.
Another thing you may do is ask for the owner’s or manager’s permission, and if they allow you, you may dive into their dumpsters on the private property. However, if you are not allowed and you still go inside, you may be charged with a misdemeanor offense that will result in fines as per your local laws.
Remember that going through private dumpsters is also stealing, and Dollar General stores don’t entertain such divers who steal. So, whenever you are asked to leave the property, you must leave immediately or otherwise be ready for criminal offenses held against you.
Usually, gates, fences, and trespassing signs keep trespassers away. However, when you know that the Dollar General dumpsters are on their private property, you must not take any risks as it may result in a permanent ban from the store or location in the worst case.
Thus, the safest way to dive into Dollar General dumpsters is to wait for the trash to be moved to public property, as the store will withdraw all its rights of ownership on that trash.
How much can Dollar General dumpster diving help you earn?
With such a wide product range, the earning potential from dumpster diving at Dollar General can also vary. For instance, one month, you may earn $1000 by dumpster diving at the nearby dollar General store part-time, while one month, you may not find anything valuable enough or in high demand.
However, if you consider the best case, finding one pair of shoes that costs $5 can be sold with 25-50% profit margins depending on the demand.
In that case, finding such items regularly can help you earn up to $2000 in a good month simply from the Dollar General stores. You need to take it as your full-time work for the best earnings and pick up the stuff that can sell quickly and easily.
Going for stuff you use may improve your life, but you will not earn from such items, and the time spent searching for such items will bring no returns.
Apart from going for the right items, you must also visit the stores at the right time. Most importantly, don’t rely solely on Dollar General dumpster diving; make it a part of your overall dumpster diving route, and you will earn more.
Take Pride in Dumpster Diving
Some people think dumpster diving is gross. Others see it as a smart, eco-friendly way to reuse and reduce waste.
If you love dumpster diving, take pride in it! You’re helping the planet by keeping usable items out of landfills.
One fun way to show off your passion? Wear an “I Love Dumpster Diving” shirt and spread awareness.
Most Profitable Things to Find in Dollar General Dumpsters
Dumpster diving here means variety! But be smart about what you grab.
Always check:
- No visible damage or mold
- No broken seals on food
- Expiry dates on consumables
- Stay away from hazardous or chemical products
Common Profitable Finds:
- Soaps
- Candles
- Cosmetics
- Store merchandise
- Snacks & packaged food
- Scent products
- Personal care items
Why does Dollar General throw away its products?
Their 30-day return policy is one reason. Even if the item looks brand new, once returned, it often goes straight to the dumpster.
Other reasons include:
- Items that don’t sell well
- Items with damaged packaging
- Expired or nearly expired products
💡 Employees are told to trash these items rather than restock them.
Best time to dumpster dive at Dollar General
The best time for dumpster diving here is right after the store closes. You will find employees throwing out the trash after closing the stores. Additionally, weekends are the best for dumpster diving near these stores as most customers return products.
So, you may find lots of items that are still in pristine shape, but employees throw them in dumpsters because of bad packing or fewer sales. Going at any other time will not be profitable as other divers may have already picked the best.
Tips for dumpster diving at Dollar General
Dollar General is the type of store that targets every type of customer. So, it offers amazing dumpster diving opportunities as well. Before you start, go through these tips, and become more efficient from the beginning.
- You don’t need to waste a lot of time at one dumpster. So, try to go through as many dumpsters as possible.
- See what trash-throwing routine your nearby Dollar General store follows; visit at that time to find the most valuable items.
- Make your tool bag and take it with you wherever you go for dumpster diving. It must contain gloves, a box cutter, scissors, and a flashlight.
- Go dumpster diving with a fellow, as it doubles your productivity and halves the dumpster diving time.
- If you are dumpster diving to earn, then never look for things you want for personal use. Always go for smaller price tags and items with a large buyer base.
- Dumpsters dive smartly and pick good things. Never go for expired or broken items in hopes of selling them.
Dumpster diving at dollar general will be a unique experience, but with these tips, you can make it easier from the very first day.
A complete guide on Dumpster Diving Tips that you never knew before
What to Bring for Dumpster Diving at Dollar General
Before heading out, having the right tools makes a huge difference. Here’s a basic checklist to keep you safe and efficient:
- Gloves – to avoid cuts and bacteria
- Box cutter or scissors – to open sealed bags safely
- Flashlight or headlamp – for nighttime or dark areas
- Sturdy bags or containers – to carry your finds
- Face mask – for odor protection
- Hand sanitizer or wipes – for cleanup after diving
Pro tip: Keep your kit in your car so you’re always ready.
Safety Tips for Dumpster Diving at Dollar General
Dumpster diving is exciting but safety comes first. Keep these in mind:
- Avoid dumpsters near broken glass, pests, or hazardous waste
- Stick to well-lit areas or dive during daylight if possible
- Check for security cameras or “No Trespassing” signs
- Never enter a compactor dumpster, it’s dangerous
- If approached, stay calm and explain you’re not causing harm
Dumpster diving is legal in many areas, but always respect property lines and local laws.
Is Dumpster Diving at Dollar General Worth It?
Yes, if done smartly. You won’t get rich overnight, but if you’re consistent and selective, you can:
- Save money on essentials
- Make money reselling items
- Reduce landfill waste
- Support the reuse economy
Just remember to stay safe, follow the law, and respect property boundaries.
Final Words
Dollar General might be a go to store for many shoppers, but most people don’t realize that dumpster diving there can be even more rewarding. With all the good opportunities, you must not forget about the dumpster diving laws in your locality.
So, before you start with dumpster diving at the nearest Dollar General store, check the laws, and then you can have a safer and more peaceful dumpster diving experience.
Stay smart, stay respectful and enjoy the hunt!
