Stealing cans

In my quest for empties, I’ve received a few requests for information regarding recycling laws. 

I’m only going to answer one now, as it could probably protect me legally. Here’s the question:

I’ve been told it is illegal to collect cans from public garbage bins. Is this true?

Nope, it sure isn’t. Illegal, I mean.

Coos Bay Chief Rodger Craddock said people do it all the time, all over the nation. 

“There are people who make their livings going through trash cans all day long. … They’re just going from location to location,” he said.

But, it is unlawful for someone to enter another person’s property without permission and to dig through their garbage. 

“If they’re on a property open to the public, then I think that’s free game, and it’s been treated as such,” the chief added.

He added that I, for instance, can’t leave a big mess while dumpster diving, otherwise that’s considered offensive littering. Not that I’m sure I’m willing to dumpster dive so early in the game.

He added that I could go through a regular person’s trash or recycling bin if they’ve pulled them into the street for pick up. If they’re on the owner’s property, however, I could get tagged for criminal trespassing. Plus, if an officer sees me looking through a trash can, I could get stopped out of concern for identity theft “because people do go through people’s garbage to steal their identity,” Craddock said.

 In North Bend, the answer was similar.

Sgt. Brian Allen doesn’t see anything wrong with public dumpster diving.

 “If someone is throwing it out and it’s worth 5 cents, then why not let someone pick it up?” he said. “It would be like throwing a nickel in the trash can.”

Regarding private refuse bins: If they’re on the street it’s probably fair game, but in a driveway, I could have problem.

“I think someone should have a reasonable expectation of privacy if it’s on their own property,” Allen said.

Finally, Bill Richardson, the manager of West Coast Recycling and Les’ Sanitary, said that public dumpster diving is fine, but if I take bottles and cans from bins marked “West Coast Recycling,” it’s the business’ property. Not mine. Good to know.

So, final answer: dumpster diving — yes. Private trash cans and recycling bins — best not go there.