Can you get in trouble by cops for walking around picking up bottles?

Question

We are always afraid that cops are going to pull us over. I don't think its ok to go dumpster diving or is it?

Answer 1

No, I wouldn't have thought so. But you will need a lot of bottles to pay for your car's gas!

Answer 2

It's legal to pick up bottles and cans along the side of the road, just not always safe. The police may ask questions out of fear for your safety. Dumpster diving or going through people's trash is not legal, however. That's private property and you need permission to do it. You might be able to make an arrangement with a local bar to dispose of their non-returnable empties for them. They may save money on disposal fees, you would gain income, and the landfill would last a little longer.

This is not meant as a legal opinion; local laws vary.

Answer 3

I don't think it's against the law or anything...

Answer 4

I see it all the time, the cops got lots of better things to do.

Answer 5

no..ur helping the earth.

Answer 6

KEEP collecting them bottles?

If a bottle is used as a weapon and breaks the skin, and the victim needs hospital treatment, it costs over £100,000-00p

so you are potentially saving the NHS millions.

Answer 7

So long as you're not trespassing or doing it on the interstate or anywhere pedestrians are restricted I don't think you need to worry.

Answer 8

The answer to your question is no, as long as that is all that is going on.  The police may stop you and see what you are up to and they have the authority to do that if they are concerned about people or property in the area as one probably would seeing people hanging out behind closed businesses at night.  Once they see what is going on, then they will let you go.  Once trash is taken to the curb or put in a dumpster, it is fair game.  The only thing to be mindful of is being on private property so you don't run into problems of trespassing.  Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of cops have more important things to do than fool with people picking up bottles.

Answer 9

right ? recyling ? there are easier ways to make money and if i was on duty i would pull you over and your story wouldnt wash with me .

Answer 10

It's ok. Cops are not allowed on private property without the invitation of the owner.

Answer 11

No, not unless you are doing something to break the law such as damaging personal property.

May I give you one word of caution though. I would not try to earn money this way. If you insist, then please be very careful and ensure you wear full protective clothing, walking boots and gloves. Putting used syringes in empty bottles and tin cans is an accepted method of disposal within the drug community. Weeing in bottles is also very common. If you notice refuse workers use a grasping tool, not their hands.

If you drive around, it will cost you more money than you make.