Safe to take this?

**tackleberry** · 10-29-2011, 05:18 PM

In an alley behind a row of retail shops that have apartments above them I found what looks to be a bunch of metal ducts that I assume were pulled out of one of the buildings. There is a dumpster back there, they are not in it or leaning directly against it but against a fence next to it. If you spotted this would it be in the back of your truck? I left it because I didn't feel 100% comfortable with it. It's only about a 5 min drive from my house, saw them this morning and they still haven't moved when I cruised by this evening.

**rca987** · 10-29-2011, 05:22 PM

Usually if it's in a spot like that, if I don't feel comfortable..I'll leave it for a day or two, if it's still there..I figure it's likely trash.

**easyrecycle** · 10-29-2011, 05:56 PM

Did you see any workers? If so stop and have a chat and ask. It never hurts to ask.

**WeWillPrevail** · 10-29-2011, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by tackleberry

In an alley behind a row of retail shops that have apartments above them I found what looks to be a bunch of metal ducts that I assume were pulled out of one of the buildings. There is a dumpster back there, they are not in it or leaning directly against it but against a fence next to it. If you spotted this would it be in the back of your truck? I left it because I didn't feel 100% comfortable with it. It's only about a 5 min drive from my house, saw them this morning and they still haven't moved when I cruised by this evening.

Who care's?

They're gone now.

**tackleberry** · 10-29-2011, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by easyrecycle

Did you see any workers? If so stop and have a chat and ask. It never hurts to ask.

No one around both times I went by unfortunately, wish there was as it would have made it easy.

**newattitude** · 10-29-2011, 08:19 PM

I'd have likely taken them. If they were next to the dumpster that means the dumpster was probably full and I dont think if it was meant for the building that the workers would have left it sitting outside like that knowing full well scrappers would most likely take it.

**tackleberry** · 10-29-2011, 09:22 PM

Going to go by tomorrow, if still there will try and talk to someone in the store I think they are behind and see if I can remove them. Never hurts to network, something I need to start doing anyways.

**Mechanic688** · 10-29-2011, 11:03 PM

Who care's?
They're gone now.

How do you know???

**Copper Head** · 10-30-2011, 12:50 AM

I have been working with a heat specialist plumber , I notice when new systems are installed, very often old duct work is removed & tossed . The reasons generally are that the newer forced air systems don't use the same quality steel on the burners compared to older units, the old original returns don't allow sufficient air flow that the newer high efficiency units require to prevent over heating of burners & cracking
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Any way either you get them or some body else will & as we all know even the trash companies reclaim it also

**WeWillPrevail** · 10-30-2011, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

How do you know???

Technically, I don't know. But if he was eyeing them, chances are the next dude who rolls down the alley looking for the same thing, ISN'T going to pass them up. Simple logic man.

**tackleberry** · 10-30-2011, 04:06 PM

Went back to try and track down the person who was throwing it out but had no luck. In the end I decided to just leave it for one of my fellow scrappers to take, it is fairly light and bulky and would take up a lot of space in my small truck and I already have a number of things to haul to the yard tomorrow morning before work. The quick trip over there wasn't a total loss though! Stopped to pick up a stove that was at the curb on the way back to my place, as I was wheeling it out on my dolly a guy came running after me, at first I thought "ah **** this can't be good", but turns out he wanted to let me know he had a fridge I could take too!

**skylinejack** · 10-30-2011, 09:05 PM

IMHO Tack, you made the right choice there. If you're not 100% sure then it's always best to leave it. Or at least wait until you do see some workers around and then ask. There'll be more down the road somewhere either way.

**Copper Head** · 11-01-2011, 08:36 AM

well thats one of the nice things with scraping you can make that call / is it worth the trouble for $10 - some times - NOT!

**Filthy** · 11-01-2011, 09:22 AM

i have seen kids bikes on trash night on top of a pile of trash bags... my rule of thumb is, if i hesitate for any reason, that means its wrong. i have left plenty of scrap behind because i do my best to be an honest scrapper, and not cause any waves in any community i am scrapping in.

I have also been picking up scrap and had people flag me down to offer me more, but on the other hand, ive also had the dogs called on me and had to drop the trash and run... i didnt see how big Coconut was, but she had a loud bark. with my luck she was probably a pomeranian, but i wasnt willing to wait and see

**eesakiwi** · 11-01-2011, 08:41 PM

That aircon ducting is **** expensive to make.
Where I saw some, the guy had just left them out the back of his shop, being older he couldn't carry them that far away.
They sat there for years & then they went, dunno where, I think they used them in a fitout of another shop in the complex.

I wouldn't take them.

**Copper Head** · 11-04-2011, 12:59 PM

Let's get down to it , You just gotta ask . Now lets say you ask and you find out, No we will be using it. Then you can tell them - do your self a favor cover them or put a large note - No Pickers - it is as simple as that .
I feel after you pick a few years it becomes easier to tell what is up for grabs and whats not. There are certain clues to just how it might even be stacked is it stacked nicely, as it was stacked do you see any careless damage that looks fresh, some times we are afraid to ask but that is always the best policy .
If you cant find a person to ask just hold off .
The other day at the yard i saw 2 people taken away in hand cuffs cause they took some thing with out permission from a flood house , One good fine and you will have much metal to sell to cover the cost .

**EcoSafe** · 11-04-2011, 01:14 PM

its all really pretty simple, if you take it and no one complains or cares you are a scrapper. if you take it and some one does care. and turns you in you are a theif, plain and simple. the law dosent care what you thougt. lets become proffesional scrappers not scavengers. you have the courtisy to go ask the Apartment manager a couple time on a regular basis to check their dumpster, you may well be suprised to find after a few weeks that dumpster may well become yours, with maintenence people and managers protecting it for you.

**Midnight** · 11-04-2011, 02:37 PM

If in doubt, knock on a door and ask.

**eesakiwi** · 11-06-2011, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by Midnight

If in doubt, knock on a door and ask.

Every time I have done that, & its taken several doors to knock on sometimes, I get a smile & a "Yep, keep it" in the end.

I predict, that if I Don't ask, & take it, trouble will follow me very quickly......
Forever.