Is Dumpster Diving Legal in New Hampshire?
Dumpster Diving is legal with restrictions in New Hampshire as of 2026. New Hampshire does not specifically prohibit dumpster diving, but trespassing laws (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 635:2) prohibit unauthorized entry onto private property, including dumpsters on such property.
Dumpster Diving is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in New Hampshire
Dumpster Diving is legal in New Hampshire but with specific restrictions and regulations.
Dumpster Diving Laws in New Hampshire: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Dumpster Diving is currently legal with restrictions in New Hampshire.
- 2 Possession: Taking items from dumpsters on public property is generally allowed; private property dumpsters require permission.
- 3 Sale: No specific laws on sale; selling stolen property is illegal.
- 4 Age Restriction: None
- 5 Penalties: Trespassing is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or imprisonment up to 6 months.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Taking items from dumpsters on public property is generally allowed; private property dumpsters require permission. |
| Sale | No specific laws on sale; selling stolen property is illegal. |
| Age Restriction | None |
| Penalties | Trespassing is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or imprisonment up to 6 months. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does New Hampshire Compare?
Across all 50 states, Dumpster Diving is fully legal in 1 states, legal with restrictions in 49 states, and illegal in 0 states. New Hampshire is among the 49 states where it is legal with restrictions.
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Editorial Standards
This page was researched and written by the editorial team at IsThisLegalInMyState.com. All legal information is sourced directly from official state statutes, regulatory agency publications, and legislative databases. Our team reviews each page for accuracy and updates it when laws change.
Source
Citation: New Hampshire Revised Statutes - Trespass
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LXII/635/635-2.htm
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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