Should I feel bad for scrapping?

I scrapped a bunch in high school for gas money, it was a lot of fun. Since then I have gone off to college, graduated, and worked a few years with a steady income in a good career (that I enjoy and still work at). Finding myself without any real hobbies, I started scrapping again, I love it, it is a lot of fun, like treasure hunting. I love taking stuff apart and finding stuff. Im not doing it for much profit, more for fun/enjoyment. Someone mentioned to me that by me taking scrap from the curb, I am essentially taking money from people who scrap for a living and to feed their kids and pay their bills, and I dont feel too great about that. How do people on here feel about amateur scrapping? Ive been trying to only go as close to when the trash truck comes so I only take stuff that for sure is going to the dump if I dont take it. Giving others the chance to get the good stuff.... what are peoples thoughts?

First come >> First get

Originally Posted by JohnC4X4

First come >> First get

Yea, thats my thoughts as-well. I guess I just am trying to ease my guilt for possibly taking a few bucks from another random scrapper. But for all I know the other guy thatll take it if I dont is just doing it as a hobby too. Or no one will get it and itll go to the dump. Im just looking for some validation here that im not being greedy or a butthole. I enjoy it. Its stuff in the trash. Im not going to feel bad about it I guess. Thanks!

So the next time you see a 20 dollar bill in a parking lot, you should leave it for the next person that comes by. They may need it more than you.

Ha! yeah, screw that.

You don't need validation and you shouldn't feel guilty.

You should find that "someone" that put those thoughts in your head and tell them to kiss your arse.

Keep doing what you enjoy and welcome to the forum.

Originally Posted by jimicrk

So the next time you see a 20 dollar bill in a parking lot, you should leave it for the next person that comes by. They may need it more than you.

Ha! yeah, screw that.

You don't need validation and you shouldn't feel guilty.

You should find that "someone" that put those thoughts in your head and tell them to kiss your arse.

Keep doing what you enjoy and welcome to the forum.

$20? Some fool dropped a penny at the store this morning, looked right at it and walked away. I was next in line bent down and picket it up. A penny saved is a penny earned. As for feeling bad about getting the scrap, my thought is "The early bird gets the worm."

Originally Posted by CapitalRecovery

$20? Some fool dropped a penny at the store this morning, looked right at it and walked away. I was next in line bent down and picket it up. A penny saved is a penny earned. As for feeling bad about getting the scrap, my thought is "The early bird gets the worm."

I pick up pennys also.

Yesterday I was out on a rural (not really rural anymore, but I live in the past) stretch of road and passed by what I thought was a battery/jumpstart/power supply out for trash. I was on a bit of a mission so I decided to get it on the way back. When I returned, I pulled over and went to check the power supply (empty and stripped), but the pile next to it (which I had thought useless) was 20 aluminum light diffusers for a drop ceiling. I went straight home and grabbed my trailer to pick them up. FWIW, I was more worried about getting back to get it before someone who needed it more got there to take them!

Originally Posted by SKWrapper

It's nice to see that you are thoughtful of other people but.... hogwash.

You aren't the only hobby/amateur scrapper out there. You also are not the only one with a career to scrap either.

You as a part time/amateur can never collect enough to "deprive" someone of any income, at least not in a normal sized town or city.

Thanks! Good to know. Yea, I dont even have a truck yet and have mostly been focusing on broken or used electronics recently, not larger things like grills, water heaters, etc, etc. I cant fit the large stuff in my sedan so its mostly the smaller stuff I am taking anyways for now. Thanks again for the reassurance.

Originally Posted by jimicrk

I pick up pennys also.

I pick up the small change too.
Somebody once asked me "Why? Its only Ten cents"

"Yeah" I answered

"But that Ten cents saves me from getting a $10 parking ticket"

I wouldn’t feel bad about picking something up that someone else might have gotten later. You have no real assurance often times that picking it up will be worth it. For instance, taking it apart could take a lot more work than expected. Also, the scrap yard may be paying lower prices when you sell from what you remember them paying.

Originally Posted by kss

Someone mentioned to me that by me taking scrap from the curb, I am essentially taking money from people who scrap for a living and to feed their kids and pay their bills, and I dont feel too great about that. How do people on here feel about amateur scrapping? Ive been trying to only go as close to when the trash truck comes so I only take stuff that for sure is going to the dump if I dont take it. Giving others the chance to get the good stuff.... what are peoples thoughts?

IF it is put out on the curb for anyone to take, not a problem at all.

However, if you are in an area where it is ILLEGAL (by law) to take it, you are putting yourself at risk. A lot of places have laws against taking ANYTHING put out for the garbage man and doing so can cost you a fine or worse.

Further, what if the owner put it out for a friend to pick up and you happened to get there first? Could be another legal mess for you.

To be safe, I would ONLY take something marked FREE or I would ask permission FIRST. Those are the only two ways I know of which would avoid legal issues.