Remains found believed to be North Carolina woman who was ‘dumpster diving’

BURLINGTON, N.C. — Remains found at a landfill in North Carolina were believed to be a woman who police said climbed into a trash container to look for reusable items.

The body found Monday at Unharrie Environmental in Montgomery County was believed to be 30-year-old Stephanie Cox, according to Burlington police.

Police said video showed Cox was alone when she went into the dumpster behind a Five Below store on Jan. 30. No one else was seen in the area until a truck came to service the trash container early that morning, police said.

Once it was determined that the remains had been taken to a processing center in Montgomery County, a search party had been deployed Tuesday to search for Cox. Inclement weather had halted search efforts since Thursday, and the search didn't resume until Monday.

Woman runs away after workers find her screaming in trash compactor Woman runs away after workers find her screaming in trash compactor

A medical examiner will determine a positive identification of the remains, police said.

Police said Cox’s family confirmed it was common for her to collect things from trash containers. Police said the case highlights the dangers of “dumpster diving.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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