A dumpster diving clip is attracting attention after creator GlamourDDive (@glamourddive) found Halloween decorations in a store trash bin even though the holiday hadn't even arrived.
Among the discarded items were multiple boxed skeleton sets, other seasonal décor, and a lamp, with some pieces still looking usable.
Here's what to know
Filming from inside a dumpster on TikTok, the creator spots what appear to be at least five boxed Halloween skeleton sets and says, "They threw a ton of Halloween stuff away."
@glamourddive They threw away ALL of this?! 😳 #dumpsterdiving #tjmaxx #halloween #insane #jackpot ♬ original sound - GlamourDDive
While moving the boxes out of the bin, GlamourDDive notes, "It's not even Halloween yet." The clip suggests the skeletons were only part of the discarded pile, showing other seasonal items as well, including a basket of decorations and some broken pieces.
As they search another side of the dumpster, the creator separates damaged items from ones that may still be worth keeping.
"That one's broken, but that would have been so nice," GlamourDDive says of a whimsical mirrored piece. The creator ends up leaving it behind for someone else to grab.
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They also pull out a lamp with a small scuff, and see a note that it "doesn't work," but pledge to try it out anyway. They also found what looked to be a perfectly good cooling mattress protector.
"I always am living through you in each one of your videos, omg," a user responded.
More background
A big part of the creator's reaction comes from the timing. Halloween products were being tossed before Halloween, despite some of them appearing intact. The video also shows that the contents were far from perfect. Users speculated that the skeleton's hand signal caused a recall or at least led to them being taken off the shelves.
The dumpster held more than boxed skeletons. The comments section also highlighted how this kind of retail disposal can feel either common or out of reach, depending on the store setup.
One commenter wrote, "I wish the dumpsters were open in N.C.," while another pointed to compactors at local stores.
With seasonal decorations often carrying a hefty price tag, the sight of boxed holiday items going straight to the trash raises questions about why they were not routed to clearance, donation, or another reuse channel.
What can be done?
In the footage, the clearest step toward diverting waste is simply taking out items that still appear intact. Other commenters wondered about the logistics.
"So how does this work?" one asked. "Do you ask the manager for permission or do you just go?"
A user responded, "You just go. Don't ask or they'll tell you no. As long as there's no sign stating 'No diving,' it's ok"
Safety is also a part of the discussion.
"Please wear some gloves," a viewer suggested. "Avoid bad bacteria. Love the vids; can't believe they throw good stuff away."
The video suggests that seasonal inventory with some apparent use left in it can still end up in the trash before the holiday. Possible alternatives would be markdowns, donations, or other diversion practices that keep intact products circulating rather than sending them straight to a dumpster.
Viewers clearly thought there was demand for GlamourDDive's haul given its pre-Halloween timing. As one wrote, "Already??? Such good scores!"
Where can I learn more?
The find is far from an isolated case. Other reports have documented dumpster divers finding discarded seasonal candy, home décor, clothing, shoes, and post-holiday groceries.
• After Easter, a dumpster diver found recently tossed Easter candy that had been deliberately destroyed.
• At HomeGoods, a Reddit user uncovered discarded store merchandise and questioned why it was trashed.
• A dumpster diver found brand new apparel in retail garbage that looked display-ready.
• At a Steve Madden store, a diver found discarded boots and sneakers still looking usable.
• After Christmas, a local store's bins held trash bags of snacks that sparked outrage.
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