Can you take recycling from the recycling bins or is that steeling??

Question

i'm in canada and i started taking recycling from the bins in my complex but i dont know if thats steeling and if i can in trouble for it???please i really need to know!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

I've heard that (in the US at least) once garbage is at the curb it is public property.  It's probably the same for recycling.  Either way, I don't think anyone is going to have you arrested for taking a few things from a recycling bin.

Answer 2

Whoa, once the items are placed into a recyler's bin, it belongs to them!  Various charges include theft and petty vandalism and trespass (once your paw goes into their bin, you're trespassing).  They recycle for PROFIT, it's not an entitlement service for you!

Answer 3

The answer is simple... if it doesn't belong to you and you take it without permission it is stealing.  All you have to do is ask whoever owns the recycle bins.  Your complex manager will know who to talk to.  Ask and they may tell you help yourself unless they are profiting from the recycle bins and if that is the case you are definately stealing and need to know before you get into trouble.  God bless and Merry Christmas.

Answer 4

Well, I am not aware of any regulations or rules against this sort of thing, let alone any policies set forth in Canada.  I honestly can't see any issues that may arrise when rummaging through a recycling bin.  If you can reuse the product, isn't this the purpose?  Hence the word, "RECYCLE."  I guess, I would call the recycling company in which you are taking from their bin and just ask them that if you saw an item that you would use for yourself, can I help myself to it?  They will tell you if they want you to go through their property, if it is "steeling" or not.  Good luck!

Answer 5

Ask the manager of your complex.  If he's financially benefitting, you might be breaking the law.  If not, he might actually want you to take it so there's less junk piled up until the service comes to get it.

Answer 6

I think it can depend on if you are taking things from a recycling bin or a garbage bin.  If it is from a recycling bin it is tacky as the person is already being responsible.  If however you are taking garbage out to recycle, that I feel can be a different story.  However in both case, to be on the safe side,  you should tell the owner what you are doing and what your intentions are.  I have found in many cases, if you are honest people will even help you in your efforts.  ie at work no-one else wants to recycle their old pop cans but they will give them to me to recycle and I don't have to go dumpster diving for them. :)

Answer 7

It all depends on what you are planning on doing with the money. If you are donating money to organizations that help save the polar bears, than you have nothing to worry about. But if you are just being money hungry, the cops will give you a citation... and trust me they will find out.

Answer 8

The recycled material is no longer owned by the person that placed it in the bin.  The question is, whether the owner is now the recycler or trash collector.  Certain communities have specific laws against removing recycled materials or garbage from their containers.  You need to check with your local government to find out what the laws are for your community.  Good luck.

Answer 9

I have often wondered this myself.  I take aluminum cans to the recycling facilities and they pay so much per pound on the aluminum.  I save my money for once a year and then we take a vacation trip with the money, and its just the money from the cans.  I don't look at this as stealing.  They have already put the stuff out of their house, so I see it as fine.