Quote Originally Posted by Doggonecutsy View Post
Hi everyone I was going through my block earlier this morning before the recycle is taken away thinking no one will see me on the block which is filled with nosy neighbors and I feel so embarrassed one neighbor saw me looking at his printer he threw out I was hungry enough to want to disassemble it but he just looked at me funny and I retrieved a laptop from the trash yesterday and I forgot to see what else was in another neighbors pile and when I went back this morning I had to turn back because there is a neighbor there that will judge me harshly for doing this. I had fun taking apart the 8 computers from the attic and I wanted to find more scrap metal. I do not drive so I had my wagon ready this morning but I couldn't finish looking on my block. How do you deal with the negative stigma of looking through other people's recycles? I wanted to supplement my limited income this way but I can't stand being judged so harshly if I had a car I would do it in a different neighborhood.


New Yorkers are naturally suspicious. They teach it in school. So, when they see you looking through their stuff, their first thought is "what the heck is going on here?". I would elaborate o a couple of previous posts and say get a t-shirt printed that says something like "Doggonecutsy Recycling" (or whatever name you like) on it. Also have some cards made and when you see someone outside, whether it is trash day or not, go up and tell them that you are recycling materials to help support yourself and would appreciate them sharing any materials that they do not want any longer. Then follow up on collection day (when they see you) with a wave and maybe a "woohoo". Their skepticism will turn to a desire to share in your joy and desire to better your life.