Is Dumpster Diving Legal in Utah?

Dumpster Diving is legal with restrictions in Utah as of 2026. Utah does not have a statute specifically prohibiting dumpster diving, but entering private property without permission to access dumpsters may be prosecuted under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-206 (criminal trespass). Items discarded in public dumpsters are generally considered abandoned.

Dumpster Diving is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in Utah

Dumpster Diving is legal in Utah but with specific restrictions and regulations.

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Dumpster Diving Laws in Utah: Quick Facts

  • 1 Legal Status: Dumpster Diving is currently legal with restrictions in Utah.
  • 2 Possession: Possession of items taken from dumpsters on public property is legal; private property dumpsters require permission.
  • 3 Sale: No specific restrictions on sale of found items; selling stolen property is illegal.
  • 4 Age Restriction: None
  • 5 Penalties: Criminal trespass is a class B misdemeanor with penalties including fines and jail time.

Detailed Legal Breakdown

Possession Possession of items taken from dumpsters on public property is legal; private property dumpsters require permission.
Sale No specific restrictions on sale of found items; selling stolen property is illegal.
Age Restriction None
Penalties Criminal trespass is a class B misdemeanor with penalties including fines and jail time.
Pending Legislation None known

How Does Utah Compare?

Across all 50 states, Dumpster Diving is fully legal in 1 states, legal with restrictions in 49 states, and illegal in 0 states. Utah 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.

Last verified: 2026-01-15 Sources cited below Updated when laws change

Source

Citation: Utah Code Annotated - Criminal Trespass

https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter6/76-6-S206.html

Last verified: 2026-01-15

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