• Dumpster diving has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
• A 1988 Supreme Court case ruled that searching trash on a public curb is legal.
• In Delaware, several cities have codes that prohibit rummaging through garbage containers without permission.

Dumpster diving isn’t a novel concept, but its trappings seem to be trending.

Videos on TikTok or Instagram will give firsthand views of hands picking though local shopping mall trashes, Sephora or Ulta dumpsters and much more. The “Dumpster Dive King” in Boston has some 4.3 million followers on one platform, while Ella Rose – or GlamourDDive – maintains more than 2.4 million TikTok followers and an online shop from Texas.

“My enjoyment of dumpster diving has helped me open my eyes to the waste that is involved in everyday retail and corporations!” the 21-year old wrote online.

That could be the hefty bag of untouched Lululemon products, a cardboard box stocked with sealed designer perfumes seemingly from a closed Macy’s, tossed out clearance items from a T.J. Maxx, or countless other hauls from the diver and content creator.

But is it legal?

Most states lack specific laws against dumpster diving, though trespassing laws essentially restrict such forays to public property. Likewise, the Supreme Court ruled in a 1988 case from California that searching trash put on the public curb is legal and can be done by police without a warrant.

Here in Delaware, there are similarly no statewide laws against the practice. After a simple review, some local governments providing waste removal have more specific policies.

In Wilmington, city code prohibits rummaging through garbage containers “unless requested to do so by the person to whom the container belongs.” That effectively bans any dumpster dives on private property, if enforced, unless the owner agrees.

Many shopping malls and stores have back areas that are largely considered private property, according to FindLaw.com, which also notes proper signage could be used in court to show a business took appropriate precautions.

Over in Newark, tampering with any city waste containers, including dumpsters, is similarly banned without authorization, according to an Eastern Shore Dumpster Dive community online. Dover also does not allow anyone to disturb or scatter waste put out for collection, per city code.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred early this morning in Ellendale.

On January 18, 2026, at approximately 1:20 a.m., troopers responded to the 18000 block of Sharons Road in Ellendale for a report of shots fired. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown suspect fired multiple shots that struck an occupied residence and two unoccupied vehicles. Two adults and two children were in the home at the time, and no one was injured.

Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone who has relevant information to contact Detective R. Mitchell by calling (302) 752-3794. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

Print This Page

View All News Posts

The inaugural Delco Gives raised more than $1.7 million for participating nonprofits. The second annual fundraising drive eclipsed $2.2 million.

“We’re all hopeful that we’ll continue to go higher and higher because really the sky is the limit in terms of how many people can be engaged beyond who have been engaged before to participate in philanthropy for Delaware County nonprofits,” Kellerman said.

Delco Gives usually coincides with a wave of community events and festivities, including Dining Under the Stars in Media. Kellerman said the culminating party is moving indoors this year due to previous weather conditions.

“The location we’re moving it to will be I think very exciting for the community. We are not ready to announce that so be looking for that announcement in the next couple of weeks,” Kellerman said.

Bonus dollars and cash prizes will be awarded to participating nonprofits during Delco Gives.

Editor’s note: The Foundation for Delaware County provides support for WHYY. WHYY News produces independent, fact-based news content for audiences in Greater Philadelphia, Delaware and South Jersey.