Tyler, TX — After the body of an East Texas woman was found in the dumpster, it prompted the question of dumpster diving.
Many people believing it's illegal, and even wondering why people do it.
According to both the Tyler Police Department and the Longview Police Department it's legal - if you follow the rules.
If the dumpster has a lock on it, there's a fence or wall around it, and/or there's a sign that says 'no trespassing' and you still jump in it's a class "B" misdemeanor for criminal trespassing.
If none of the three things listed above are present, then dive away.
Dumpster diving is something Sarah Byrd started doing over a year ago.
"It was something my sister and I had discovered on YouTube," she said.
Her first time diving she found a straightener and a hair dryer with the cords cut.
"All I had to do was repair the cords and they were perfectly fine," Byrd said, and that's not all she's found. "I have found a lot of different stuff from cosmetics that you can sanitize to used furniture."
Just be careful, Byrd recommends wearing gloves, long pants, and boots.
The Longview Police Department also warns about broken glass, sharp items, and needles in the dumpsters.