The man in the office next to ours digs through our trash, presumably looking for the newspaper. He never asks for it, he just waits until we throw it away and then sneaks into the trash can. It drives me crazy because I don't know what else he might be trying to do, if he's trying to find financial documents also or what. So, is there a law against this? What do I do?
2006-12-22 04:47:34 · 13 answers · asked by Doi Doi 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I'm afraid to tell you that this is perfectly legal. Once a person disgards something, they release any interest they have in that object...making it free for someone else to obtain an interest.
It's why they say "one man's trash is another man's treasure".
However, that doesn't mean you are just going to have to live with it. Find a little humor with his dumpster diving tactics. Find anything you can to spill on that paper once you've finished with it. Make it messy. I don't care if it's ketchup,mustard,coffee grounds, or egg salad sandwhich....just coat as much of the paper as you can in it. Then quietly watch him dig through your trash to find his prize. When you see him get it, find a way to make your presence known...either by waving or simply saying hello. The embarrassment alone should put an end to his immature behavior. Maybe he'll realize it's worth the 50 cents to buy his own darn paper!
Good luck!
2006-12-22 05:04:09 · answer #1 · answered by Hollynfaith 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As far as legal or not, I think it may depend on where you are, and your own local ordinances. People are always picking up 'throwaway's' in my neighborhood, but it's usually furniture, toys, or something of that nature. Doesn't bother me. I'm glad they can use it. If you think this guy is only wanting the newspaper, you might use your own sense of humor, and set it aside to itself so he only has to pick it up. If he continues to go through your trash, I'd be worried about what else he may be searching for. Maybe you should meet him at the curb one day, strike up a conversation, and directly ask him what's so interesting in your trash. :-)
2006-12-22 09:26:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not against the law. My husband and I used to go out and go through trash that's put out. We took the things that are worth taking. We have found venetian blinds and rugs. Alot of people throw out things that we can still use in our home.We sure don't take anything like important papers. Afterall, those things aren't any of our business. If you believe that the man is looking for financial documents then tear them up before they are trashed.
2006-12-22 05:03:06 · answer #3 · answered by Nancy M. 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The police can go through your trash at the curb without a search warrant if they are looking for DNA samples. The same trash in your house obviously would require a warrant.
So no, I don't think it is illegal, but I might be wrong.
2006-12-22 04:57:04 · answer #4 · answered by days_o_work 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While it isn't illegal it is embarassing. If you catch him in the act ask Can I help you? This often humiliates them. To be on the safe side though shred all important or financial documents you throw out because this is how theives often gain confidential information.
2006-12-22 06:13:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would have to check with your local law enforcement. Every city probably has a different law.
It is a possibility that the person is collecting cans and bottles, as many on low income are forced to look to other resources. Why don't you approach him & offer to leave out the things he is looking for so he doesn't have to rummage.
2006-12-22 05:09:11 · answer #6 · answered by Steadfast † One 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if it's illegal, but it is definitely disgusting. If you think he may be looking for important documents, you can shred, burn, or otherwise destroy them before disposal. That way, he won't be able to get sensitive information. When I spring-clean, I actually check over each and every piece of paper I throw out.
2006-12-22 10:02:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it depends on where the garbage can is....if the garbage is out on the sidewalk....then it's public property... if the garbage is on private property (in your yard, etc) then no, that is not legal.......
my husband watches a lot of crime/detective shows...and on these shows the cops are constantly picking thru garbage left curbside to get evidence....it is totally legal
2006-12-22 05:35:54 · answer #8 · answered by SNAP! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless there are local ordinances, trash becomes public domain.
2006-12-22 05:07:52 · answer #9 · answered by momonster 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is
2006-12-22 04:57:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋