Legal Question in Criminal Law in Georgia

Trespassing, theft, just to name a couple.

It depends on where the dumpster is located and what you plan on doing with the contents. If the dumpster is located on private property, you may be charged with criminal trespass and theft. If the trash is stacked up on the side of a public road outside someone's home (in a public place!), then as long as you are not on their property, you are probably OK to search their trash. They may not be happy about you searching their trash, but once it's on the street, it's fair game to the public. Keep in mind that many people are wary of having their trash searched due to identity theft. If you are searching a company's trash, you may get sued for trying to steal trade secrets. My advice would be to stay out of people's garbage.

Best of luck.*****The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.*****