Dumpster diving might sound strange to some people, but for others, it is a smart way to find valuable items for free. Especially when it comes to high-end makeup, dumpster diving can be surprisingly profitable. Many people are making real money by salvaging cosmetics tossed by major retailers. You could do the same.
How Dumpster Diving for Makeup Works
Many stores throw out products that are still good. Makeup can be tossed out for reasons like:
- Damaged packaging
- Inventory changes
- Seasonal updates
- Small defects
Instead of being unusable, many of these items are brand new or nearly full. Some people see this as garbage. Others see it as opportunity.
Meet Jessica: Building a Business from Trash
Jessica Higgs, a stay-at-home mom, started dumpster diving by accident. One evening she passed by an Ulta dumpster and noticed a large bag full of makeup. Curious, she took it home. Inside, she found over $1,200 worth of high-end products. Some had broken lids or missing caps, but the majority were still usable.
Jessica began selling the items through local Facebook groups and apps like Mercari. What started as a hobby soon made her between $1,000 to $2,000 extra a month. She now shares tips with a growing fanbase online.
Why Do Stores Throw Out Good Makeup?
Retailers have strict rules about what they can sell. Some of the main reasons products are trashed include:
- Returned items that cannot legally be resold
- Testers and samples no longer needed
- Products reaching a “sell-by” date (not the same as expiration)
- Distributor changes or store remodels
Most stores fear legal risks if they donate or resell such items. So they dump them.
What Types of Makeup Can You Find?
Jessica found a wide range of products including:
- Foundation bottles still two-thirds full
- Eye shadow palettes with minor cracks
- Lipsticks with a broken seal but untouched inside
- Sealed skincare products like moisturizers and serums
The most common finds come from brands like Urban Decay, NYX, Too Faced, and Benefit.
Where Are the Best Spots to Dive?
Not every store offers good pickings. The best options tend to be:
- Ulta Beauty
- Sephora
- Big-box retailers with beauty sections, like Target
- Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens
Timing matters too. Most stores throw out items a few times a week. Checking the dumpsters after closing hours but before trash pickup increases your chances.
Essential Dumpster Diving Gear
If you plan to try it, you need the right tools:
- Heavy-duty gloves: Protect your hands from sharp objects
- Headlamp or flashlight: Necessary for nighttime diving
- Grabber tool: Helps you reach deep areas safely
- Plastic bins or bags: To carry your finds neatly
- Hand sanitizer and wipes: Always clean up afterward
Be prepared for mess. Many stores damage products before tossing them. You may need to combine pieces to salvage usable items.
How to Clean and Restore Salvaged Makeup
Safety is crucial with any used beauty product. Here’s how to clean your finds.
- Bar soap and 70% alcohol: Clean compacts and makeup cases thoroughly
- New wands: Replace mascara and lip gloss applicators
- Surface Removal: Scrape off the top layer of powder products to reveal fresh makeup underneath
- Disinfect: Spritz alcohol on powder products and let them dry before using
Never reuse opened liquid products like mascara or liquid eyeliner. They harbor bacteria and aren’t safe to salvage.
Best Platforms to Sell Your Finds
Once you have a cleaned, safe batch to resell, these platforms work well:
- eBay: Good for branded high-end products
- Facebook Marketplace: Great for quick local sales
- Poshmark: Works best for easily shippable beauty products
- Mercari: User-friendly with relaxed policies on second-hand items
Make sure to describe items honestly. Mention if packaging is damaged, if seals are broken, or if you have sanitized it.
How Much Money Can You Make?
The amount varies. Some weeks, Jessica made $500, other weeks over $2,000. It depends on:
- How often you dive
- The brands and conditions of what you find
- The effort you put into cleaning and listing
Dedicated dumpster divers treat it like a second job. The more time you spend, the more you can earn.
Is Dumpster Diving Legal?
In most places, dumpster diving is legal unless local city or municipal codes say otherwise. If a dumpster is on private property with clear “No Trespassing” signs, you could face penalties.
Stay smart:
- Check local laws first
- Avoid gated areas or fenced-off dumpsters
- Stay respectful and clean up any mess
Should You Worry About Safety?
Safety should always be a priority. Here are some quick tips:
- Never dive alone at night
- Keep your phone charged and nearby
- Wear thick gloves and old clothing
- Watch out for broken glass or rusty metal
If someone asks you to leave, do so politely.
Pro Tips Every New Digger Should Know
Jessica shares these important beginner tips:
- Create a route: Plan which stores you’ll check and when
- Stay organized: Store items by brand and category for easier selling
- Know the seasons: After holidays and inventory clearances are golden times
- Track what sells fastest: Learn what products and brands move quickly and for what prices
Patience pays off. Every successful dumpster diver started with lots of trial and error.
Stories from the Dumpster
Jessica once found a Sephora makeup bag filled with more than 30 unused, sealed products. Total resale value? Over $800. Another time, she pulled an almost-full garbage bag of perfumes marked as “tester” items but still 90% full.
Others report finding limited-edition makeup releases that collectors eagerly buy at high prices online.
Can You Turn Dumpster Diving Into a Full-time Job?
Some people try. For Jessica, it’s a lucrative side hustle that fits her life as a mom. Others approach it full-time by expanding their operations:
- Teaming up with friends to cover more locations
- Offering mystery beauty boxes to customers
- Starting YouTube channels showcasing hauls for ad income
Success depends on your consistency, creativity, and business sense.
Final Thoughts: Is Dumpster Diving for Makeup Worth It?
If you enjoy treasure hunting and are willing to put in some work, dumpster diving for makeup can be a profitable venture. You save products from landfills. You make extra money. You might even build a small business over time.
Would you be willing to jump into the world of dumpster diving if it meant a steady side income? Maybe it’s time to give it a chance.
