2006-12-08 10:23:00 · 8 answers · asked by Jerry F 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Other than the fact that it is REAL CREEPY to go through other people's trash -- legally, when the Trash Bin is rolled up or placed streetside for pickup -- it is considered abandoned property -- and if so inclined (and this is nasty), people are free to go through the 'abandoned' property and take what they want from someone's trash.
2006-12-08 10:33:06 · answer #1 · answered by sglmom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most US states, counties, cities & townships, YES, it is illegal, because each trash collection agency has "salvage rights" to the trash that is in or going to the trash dump sight. When a garbage can is on the sidewalk or street, it comes under the laws of the towns refuse collection agencies. It is illegal to open the trash container to gain access to someones trash. It is theft & many people have gone to jail for doing it! When it leaves your lot, it belongs to the town or company that has the refuse contract for your area or address. You can receive trash legally with a written receipt from the land owner or tenant of record.
2006-12-08 18:43:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to the Supreme Court, trash is fair game. I am wondering, though, why you would want to go through people's trash?
2006-12-08 18:31:18 · answer #3 · answered by swarr2001 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as the trash can is on the city sidewalk, it's up for grabs. The material can even be used as evidence in a trial.
2006-12-08 18:28:09 · answer #4 · answered by LucySD 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Trash by definition is abandoned by its former owners. Therefore they have no expectation of privacy in their trash.
2006-12-08 18:30:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is on private property with a No Trespassing sign, most definitely. Other people view it as public property once it has been thrown away.
2006-12-08 18:30:10 · answer #6 · answered by curiositycat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope. if the trash can is put to the curb, then its not illegal.
IT has to be on the public curb (sidewalkd) or road. if its on private property, then no, you'd be tressapassing.
2006-12-08 18:29:03 · answer #7 · answered by arus.geo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as it isnt in your house it is fair game. police did through the garbage of mafia guys
2006-12-08 18:29:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋