The Secrets of Dumpster Diving: TikToker Makes Almost $80K

A popular TikToker has gained attention on the video-sharing platform after sharing that they have earned close to $80,000 by dumpster diving. They have discovered valuable items from well-known brands, leading to a significant increase in their earnings.

Tiffany She’ree, also known as ‘The Dumpster Diving Mama,’ has accumulated a massive following of over three million followers on TikTok. Through her account, she showcases her incredible discoveries from her dumpster diving adventures.

After leaving her conventional job to concentrate on dumpster diving, the mother of four from Texas became an internet sensation. She found some valuable items while diving, using the profits to support her family.

According to an interview with What’s the Jam, Tiffany regularly goes dumpster diving two to three times a week. She prefers to search through the discarded items of large retail stores instead of residential trash bins.

During the video, the TikToker came across a large collection of Nike New Balance sneakers that still had their tags attached, as well as shirts and sweatbands from the same brand.

@dumpsterdivingmama WELL… THIS WAS A FIRST!!! #DUMPSTERDIVINGMAMA #DUMPSTERDIVER #DUMPSTERDIVING @Daniel Roach ♬ original sound – ᴅᴜᴍᴘꜱᴛᴇʀᴅɪᴠɪɴɢᴍᴀᴍᴀ

According to the New York Post, Tiffany has earned almost $80,000 within the span of two years through dumpster diving. With eight years of experience in scouring through store trash, her efforts are certainly yielding profitable results.

Many commenters are both impressed by her findings and dismayed by the fact that stores are discarding perfectly good merchandise. One viewer expressed their frustration, stating: “Those [shoes] could be used by so many kids for school, yet they are just thrown away.”

@dumpsterdivingmama FREAKING SCOREEEEE!!! #DUMPSTERDIVER #DUMPSTERDIVING #DUMPSTERDIVINGMAMA ♬ original sound – ᴅᴜᴍᴘꜱᴛᴇʀᴅɪᴠɪɴɢᴍᴀᴍᴀ

“Another person expressed frustration, stating that it was foolish for stores to discard items like this, especially when many are struggling to purchase essential items.”

Despite being considered trash by one store, those same items become a treasure for Tiffany. In fact, she even offers some of her discoveries in ‘mystery boxes’ on her personal website, allowing her followers to stay updated on her latest adventures.

On July 31, 2024, a video was shared by ‘The Dumpster Diving Mama’ where she uncovered a large collection of discarded items from Burlington. Among the findings were unused dishware, unopened jars of candies, thermoses, Crocs, and other items.

@dumpsterdivingmama GOOD BURLINGTON HAUL 😍😍 #DUMPSTERDIVER #DUMPSTERDIVING #DUMPSTERDIVINGMAMA ♬ original sound – ᴅᴜᴍᴘꜱᴛᴇʀᴅɪᴠɪɴɢᴍᴀᴍᴀ

During an interview with What’s the Jam, she mentioned that stores often discard items without warning. She emphasized that finding good items is mostly a matter of luck. She also mentioned that she has come across a wide range of items during her scavenging, likely including anything you can imagine.

Fortunately, Tiffany is able to engage in the practice of dumpster diving without fear of legal repercussions, as it is legal in all 50 states in the USA (except in cases where there are signs prohibiting trespassing). This allows her to salvage discarded items without any risk of getting in trouble with the law.