why is it illegal to put trsh in someone else's trash can?

Question

i need to know . after all im only 12

Answer 1

Only illegal if the trash can is privately owned and on their property, if it is a communal trash can i.e. in a back alley, you can use it!!!

Answer 2

It is, if her trash can is located in her front yard because then you'd be trespassing. But I can't think of any law you'd be breaking if it's out on the street, unless you discard something in there that you're generally not supposed to put in any trash container (such as recyclable items or hazardous chemicals). In most communities, the inside of a curbside trash container is considered public domain. It's perfectly legal to take stuff out of somebody's trash, so I see no reason why it would be illegal to put something in it. Though it's possible she could file a complaint of some kind if she decides to take even more trash out to her can just before the garbagemen arrive, and finds she can't fit it in because your stuff is filling up the rest of the can.

Answer 3

If it were I think alot more of us would be arrested. I mean I toss trash into many public trash cans. I have thrown things away at family and friends homes etc....... I can't imagine why it would be illegal unless perhaps it was trash directed for the person to see, or if it were confidential trash not properly shredded first. In which case I doubt 12 would apply. I say help keep the world clean and toss the trash in a can.

Apparently your speaking of an ENITIRE bag of trash which is not clear here. However the whole deal of being so specific on where some one puts a piece of paper is silly to me. My word, are these the same who complain when it ends up on the ground???? You all feel free to use my can. I have plenty of room and I for one would rather have it in my can than all over the ground even if I PAID for it to be hauled away!

Answer 4

Yes- I worked w/ a guy who got busted since his roomate tossed some trash in someone elses can and his OLD school ID was in the bag. In a lot of cities, people have to pay for trash pick up- sometimes by the week, sometimes on a per/bag basis.

Answer 5

Technically, yes, if it's on their property (if you did it without their permission). You're trespassing and littering in their property.

But if it's on public property, like on the side-walk, it's a gray area. They could sue you if you either damaged their trash can or created a mess, but they can't really sue you for just putting trash in their trash can while it's on the side-walk (it will be dismissed in court as a 'frivolous' law suit). But you never know. Best to ask for permission to use their trash can.

Answer 6

Yes. Trash collection is a service that they pay for (usually through Municipal Rates/Charges), and putting your trash in someone else's can means that you are robbing them of the use of that service. Better to ask them, if they have room, can you put your overflow in their bin.

Answer 7

In my city as long as you are a home owner paying electric to the city you can put your trash in any dumpster you want to. You can even use the one at the Police station as long as you live in the city. They give you a ticket if you use one in another city where you don't live.

Answer 8

Yes, My bf used to work for a garbage company and it is the same as stealing. They are paying for a service that you are using with out permission. You can be fined it caught and the other person presses charges.

Answer 9

Because you pay for trash pickup, and that has certain limits. Plus you're not paying for the trash service.

Answer 10

I don't know, but this dude driving a green truck comes by once a week and steals my trash!.. I chase him down every week and he just gives me a funny look -- smug little punk, I'll get him one day.