Businesses throw a lot of stuff away that others might find useful so is dumpster diving legal or illegal in Michigan?

What is Dumpster Diving?

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Dumpster diving is the slang term for getting into a dumpster to get something out they think is valuable or useful to them.

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Remember the phrase, "One man's loss is another man's gain?" That would apply to some people who find value in things found in a dumpster. I recently did some dumpster diving to help prepare for my bear hunting trip but I got permission from the donut shop before climbing into their dumpster to gather donuts. Another time I needed some boxes I asked a guy at Guitar Center when's a good day to grab some boxes once again asking for permission. Is dumpster diving legal or illegal in Michigan?

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Is Dumpster Diving Legal or Illegal in Michigan?

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In the state of Michigan, no law prevents you from dumpster diving. If the dumpster is on private property, has a warning sign, or has a lock it is off-limits. If the dumpster is on public property it is fair game.

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Reddit poster "bigbahooey" asked the same question and I was surprised at how many other dumpster divers are in West Michigan.

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Grand Rapids Reddit Page
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Reddit poster "dractor_taddy" said, "Respect people at the businesses, don't argue, leave when they ask, and apologize." That is some good advice right there. The poster goes on to mention places to get food in case you are looking for ideas for where to dumpster dive. Some other Reddit posters on that section of the thread have some leads too.

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Reddit poster "retroactive_fridge" said, "It is completely allowed in Michigan to go through dumpsters. However, you need to make sure that you are not violating the state's trespassing laws." The person even provided a link about the laws.

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