Is It Illegal to Dumpster Dive in New Hampshire? Here’s What the Law Says

Dumpster diving is generally legal in New Hampshire, but only if you respect trespassing laws and private property rights.

What the Law Says

No Statewide Ban: There are no state laws in New Hampshire that specifically prohibit dumpster diving. This means that, at the state level, dumpster diving is legal.
Trespassing Laws Apply: The key legal issue is where you are diving. If a dumpster is located on private property—such as behind a store, inside a fenced area, or marked with “No Trespassing” signs—going through it without permission is considered trespassing and is illegal.
Public Property: Dumpsters placed on public land or at the curb for trash collection are generally fair game. Once trash is placed on public property for pickup, the original owner has relinquished ownership, and it is not illegal to search through it in most New Hampshire cities.
Local Ordinances: While there is no state law banning dumpster diving, some cities or towns may have their own ordinances restricting the practice. Always check local rules before diving.

Additional Considerations

Signs and Locks: If a dumpster is locked or has clear signage prohibiting entry, it is illegal to tamper with it or ignore posted warnings.
Disorderly Conduct and Littering: Even if dumpster diving itself is legal, you can be cited for disorderly conduct or littering if you create a mess or disturb the peace while diving.
Business Liability: Property owners may be concerned about liability if someone is injured while dumpster diving on their property, which is why many enforce no-diving policies.

Key Takeaways

Dumpster diving is legal in New Hampshire unless you are trespassing on private property or violating local ordinances.
Stick to dumpsters on public property and avoid locked, fenced, or clearly marked private dumpsters.
Leave the area clean and be respectful to avoid issues with law enforcement.

In New Hampshire, dumpster diving is not explicitly illegal, but you must always respect private property, posted signs, and local regulations to stay on the right side of the law.

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