Is it Illegal to Dumpster Dive in Connecticut?

It's happens all the time, I spot something of perceived value in someone's garbage and think wow, why would they throw that out? I'd take it.

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Some enjoy dumpster diving, and we all know the old saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure." What is it? According the the omnipotent Wikipedia - "Dumpster Diving (AKA Totting, Skipping, Skip Salvage) is salvaging from large commercial, residential, industrial, or construction containers for unused items discarded by their owners, but deemed useful to the picker." Some do it out of necessity, others as a hobby, or for profit. I started looking into dumpster diving in Connecticut.

According to moneysworth.com, Connecticut is one of the most popular trash diving destinations in the country. Why? We have everything - Malls, huge residential housing complexes, constant construction, and plenty of food waste.

There are some very interesting answers on the Dumpster Diving in Connecticut page on Reddit, BrightlyLit went to Yale in New Haven to dumpster dive for furniture and clothing that the students threw out. In fact, multiple users chime in that the students at Choate in Wallingford, and Wesleyan in Middletown threw out some choice items.

IS DUMPSTER DIVING LEGAL IN CONNECTICUT?

Yes, it is, under the right circumstances. Are you trespassing? You risk being charged without permission. Every business and residence is considered private property in Connecticut, so you must get permission from the owner first. There also may be city or municipal ordinances and statutes in place preventing your dive. Also, you risk invading someone's privacy in a residential setting, watching someone pick through your garbage can be upsetting.

The next time you see a perfectly good curtain rod, or a sack of day old bagels sticking out of the top of a trash bin, find the owner and ask first. Permission is a wonderful thing in Connecticut