Is Rummaging Through Recycle Bins For Coupons Legal?

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cutting coupons

I was watching the news yesterday when one of our local stations did a story on extreme couponing. I have personally boycotted the show after watching one episode because I think the show does a disservice. There are many things on that show that can’t be replicated.

The news story I watched cautioned viewers from rummaging through recycle bins for coupons. It turns out that in Central Virginia it is illegal to due to anti-scavenging laws. Before you hit the streets rummaging for coupons, make sure to check to see if it is legal in your location.

Also note that newspaper companies can’t give out coupons that are not distributed in the Sunday paper. They are required to destroy them per their contract with the coupon companies.

I found this story very interesting since I had no idea it was illegal to dumpster dive! Just a heads up for all of you!

Remember printable coupons are available at Coupons.com, Redplum and Coupon Network! You can also search my coupon database.

If you are new to couponing, make sure you check out my How to Coupon series!

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Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking from scratch, working in her vegetable garden and functional training.

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Comments

  1. As far as I know its not illegal in my area. My cousin & I do it. But our dumpsters are for paper only & we bring paper that can be recycled & only take coupons. Coupons can not be recycled on the paper they are printed on. We also make sure we close the dumpster cover….its a rule to close the cover.

    • Hi Angel!
      I really see nothing wrong with it but just wanted to give the heads up since some areas don’t allow it. Glad you keep it neat and clean by closing the cover!

  2. That is very interesting! I never would have thought of that. I agree with your opinion on Extreme couponing btw. Hope that you are having a great day! Rene

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  1. […] for coupons may be illegal in some areas but not all. I have written about this previously- in Central Virginia it is illegal to rummage through recycle bins for coupons. That being said, the first sentence in the article gave me a good laugh “If you photocopy a […]