Dumpster diving is legal in Pennsylvania at the state level—no law specifically prohibits it. However, you can still face criminal charges for trespassing if you enter private property, and many Pennsylvania cities have local ordinances that ban trash picking entirely. The legality depends entirely on where the dumpster is located and what your local municipality says.

What Pennsylvania State Law Says About Dumpster Diving

Pennsylvania has no statewide law that explicitly bans dumpster diving. According to Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Adam Reed, trash left at the curb waiting for pickup is considered abandoned property under state law.

The 1988 US Supreme Court case California v. Greenwood established that searching through trash doesn’t violate Fourth Amendment privacy protections once garbage hits public property. Pennsylvania courts follow this precedent.

But here’s the catch: dumpster diving is only legal if the trash is on public property and you’re not violating local ordinances.

Trespassing Laws: The Real Problem in Pennsylvania

Most people who get arrested for dumpster diving in Pennsylvania aren’t charged with illegal trash picking. They’re charged with criminal trespassing.

When You’re Trespassing

You’re trespassing if you:

• Enter private property without permission
• Climb a fence or bypass a gate to reach a dumpster
• Ignore “No Trespassing” signs (even if you didn’t see them)
• Access a dumpster in a business parking lot or behind a store
• Break a lock or open a closed/secured dumpster

Pennsylvania law doesn’t require “No Trespassing” signs for you to be charged. If the dumpster is on private property, you need explicit permission from the property owner.

Local Ordinances That Ban Dumpster Diving in Pennsylvania Cities

Many Pennsylvania municipalities have local ordinances that flat-out prohibit dumpster diving or trash picking. These laws override the state’s permissive approach.

Lancaster City

Lancaster has a city ordinance prohibiting anyone except the owner or authorized personnel from removing garbage or recyclables placed on the curb for collection. This applies to both trash cans and dumpsters.

Penalty: $50 to $1,000 fine according to Lancaster City Police Lt. Jason R. Zahm.

Manheim Township

Similar ordinance to Lancaster—trash picking is prohibited.

East Lampeter Township & Columbia Borough

Illegal to pick through designated recyclables.

Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading don’t have blanket bans on dumpster diving at the city level. However, you must still avoid trespassing on private property.

Always check your specific municipality’s ordinances before diving. Local codes vary dramatically across Pennsylvania.

Public vs. Private Property: What’s the Legal Difference?

Public property: Dumpsters on public streets, parks, or government property are generally fair game (unless local ordinances say otherwise).

Private property: Dumpsters behind stores, in business parking lots, apartment complexes, or residential areas are off-limits without permission.

The location of the dumpster matters more than the dumpster itself. Even if trash is “abandoned,” accessing it through private property makes the act illegal.

Real Pennsylvania Case: Lebanon County Dumpster Diving Arrest

In 2016, two people were arrested in Lebanon, Pennsylvania for dumpster diving behind a CVS pharmacy. They were charged with loitering, prowling at night, and criminal trespassing.

The dumpster wasn’t locked. There were no visible “No Trespassing” signs. But they still faced charges because the dumpster was on private property.

This case shows Pennsylvania police will arrest you for dumpster diving if they believe you’re trespassing—regardless of whether signs are posted.

What Happens If You’re Caught Dumpster Diving in PA?

Possible Charges

• Criminal trespassing: Misdemeanor charge in Pennsylvania
• Theft: If police claim you stole property (even trash)
• Loitering or prowling: Especially if diving at night
• Disorderly conduct: If you create a mess or complaints are filed
• Violating local ordinances: Fines ranging from $50 to $1,000+ depending on your city

Penalties

• Trespassing: Up to 5 years in jail + fines up to $10,000 (for serious cases)
• First-time offenders: Often eligible for ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) program—charges dismissed after completing probation
• Local ordinance violations: Fines vary by municipality

If you have no criminal record, prosecutors may offer a Stay of Prosecution where charges are dismissed if you stay law-abiding for one year.

Your Legal Rights If You’re Charged

• You have the right to legal representation—hire a lawyer immediately
• Challenge the trespassing charge if no signs were posted and you didn’t know it was private property
• Request evidence: police photos, witness statements, property boundaries
• Consider the ARD program if you’re a first-time offender
• Negotiate a Stay of Prosecution through your attorney

Important: Pennsylvania law doesn’t require “No Trespassing” signs for you to be charged. If you were on private property without permission, you can still face charges.

How to Dumpster Dive Legally in Pennsylvania

• Stick to public property—curbs, public streets, parks
• Never enter fenced areas, gated properties, or business parking lots
• Check your municipality’s ordinances before diving
• Ask permission from property owners if diving behind stores
• Avoid locked dumpsters—breaking locks is illegal
• Don’t create a mess—leaving trash scattered can result in littering charges
• Dive during daylight hours to avoid loitering/prowling charges
• Be polite if confronted—cooperate with police and leave immediately if asked

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you be arrested for dumpster diving in Pennsylvania?

Yes, if you trespass on private property or violate local ordinances. The dumpster diving itself isn’t illegal, but where you do it matters.

Is dumpster diving legal in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia doesn’t have a city-wide ban on dumpster diving. However, you must avoid trespassing and follow state property laws.

Is dumpster diving legal in Pittsburgh?

Same as Philadelphia—no specific ban, but trespassing laws apply.

Can stores ban you from their dumpsters?

Yes. If the dumpster is on private property, the store can ban you and press trespassing charges if you return.

What’s the penalty for dumpster diving in Lancaster?

Lancaster has a local ordinance banning trash picking. Fines range from $50 to $1,000.

Can I dumpster dive behind Walmart in Pennsylvania?

Only if Walmart’s dumpster is on public property (rare) or you have permission. Most Walmart dumpsters are on private property, making diving illegal trespassing.

Is trash considered abandoned property in Pennsylvania?

Yes, once trash is placed on a public curb for pickup. But if it’s on private property, it’s not legally abandoned.

Do I need permission to dumpster dive?

If the dumpster is on private property, yes. If it’s on public property, you don’t need permission (unless local ordinances prohibit it).

Bottom Line: What Pennsylvania Residents Need to Know

Dumpster diving is legal at the state level in Pennsylvania, but local ordinances and trespassing laws make it risky.

The real issue isn’t the trash—it’s where the trash is located. Private property means trespassing charges. Local ordinances mean fines.

If you’re going to dumpster dive in Pennsylvania, stick to public property, check your local laws, and never enter fenced or gated areas. One trespassing charge can cost you thousands in fines and legal fees.

Stay smart. Stay legal.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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