Dumpster diving in Minnesota exists in a legal gray area but is generally not explicitly outlawed by state law. The legality primarily hinges on where the dumpster is located and the presence of local ordinances or property restrictions. Once trash is discarded and placed at a curb or in a public area, it is usually considered “abandoned,” which means it is not illegal under state law to search through it. The 1988 Supreme Court decision in California v. Greenwood established that trash left for collection is not protected by privacy laws, so the act of dumpster diving itself is typically legal in most public spaces in Minnesota.
However, legal risks appear when dumpsters are located on private property, fenced-in areas, or are accompanied by “No Trespassing” signage or locks. Entering private property to access a dumpster without the owner’s consent is considered trespassing under Minnesota law. Similarly, attempting to open, unlock, or force access to a locked dumpster can result in additional charges, including theft and property damage. Even if the dumpster itself is not locked, if it is situated behind a store, apartment complex, or inside a secure area, entering to retrieve items without permission may lead to a misdemeanor trespassing charge, fines, or arrest.
Another point to consider is local city codes and ordinances. While Minnesota does not have a state law specifically prohibiting dumpster diving, cities such as Minneapolis and St. Paul have ordinances that might restrict rummaging through waste containers without authorization. In some cities, it is a violation of code to access or remove anything from a waste container unless permitted by law. Dumpster diving in such places can result in tickets or other penalties, even if you did not step onto private property.
Theft is another potential legal issue. Although much of what is discarded is considered abandoned, any property taken that was not intended to be trashed could be subject to theft laws. If a person removes something from a dumpster that the owner did not mean to throw away, they may inadvertently commit theft under Minnesota law. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the item, ranging from petty misdemeanor for small items to felony theft for valuable items.
In practice, law enforcement in Minnesota is not likely to arrest someone simply for dumpster diving in a public area, provided they do not trespass, break or enter closed containers, disturb the peace, or leave behind a mess. However, making a mess, loitering, or attracting attention late at night can lead to police involvement. Always acting respectfully, avoiding locked or fenced areas, and leaving the spot clean is the best approach if you decide to dumpster dive.
Dumpster diving is not illegal statewide in Minnesota, but legality depends greatly on the property lines, signage, locks, and specific local ordinances. If you want to stay on the right side of the law, always avoid private property, locked bins, and posted “No Trespassing” areas. Make sure to check local city codes, and when in doubt, ask property owners or move on to a different location.
Sources
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/29/is-it-illegal-to-dumpster-dive-in-minnesota-heres-what-the-law-says/
[2] https://krocnews.com/is-dumpster-diving-now-legal-here-in-minnesota/
[3] https://973kkrc.com/ixp/719/p/dumpster-diving-legal-minnesota/
[4] https://lalasicecream.com/is-it-legal-to-dumpster-dive-in-minnesota-what-to-know-before-you-try/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/DumpsterDiving/comments/4vtwgr/any_minnesota_divers/
