ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A 47-year-old woman has been injured following a dumpster dive gone wrong.
According to the Odessa Police Department, a woman, who has not been identified, was dumpster diving early this morning in the 500 block of West 42nd Street when the dumpster she was in was picked up and dumped by a garbage truck. The woman ended up trapped in that garbage truck for about two hours before she was found while the truck was emptying its contents at the landfill.
The City of Odessa said an ambulance was called as soon as the woman was found- she reportedly had injuries to her head and lower back.
OPD and the City said that dumpster diving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. According to a City ordinance that states:
“Handling or removal of waste by unauthorized persons prohibited It shall be unlawful for any person, except a duly authorized agent or employee of the city, or an owner disposing of his own waste, or a person who has received a contract from the city or licensed by the city, to handle or remove any garbage, rubbish or solid waste placed in a city container or other receptacle.”
It is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000- there is no word if the woman will face any charges.