how to go through people's recycle

"How do you deal with the negative stigma of looking through other people's recycles?"

Easy, I don't. Who are they to judge? If you're not breaking any laws, enjoy what you're doing, and bring in a few bucks, who cares what they think. If they're gonna judge you over something like that, they're not truly your neighbor. They're just some a-hole that happens to live on the same block as you.

Don't get discouraged. Keep doing what you're doing and who knows. It may bring you enough to get a car for yourself one day. At the very least, you're making a few bucks and saving the environment. That's all that really matters.

When your being watched, just shout out with treasure in hand "WOW this is just what I needed".

A winning atmosphere is contagious.

Originally Posted by Doggonecutsy

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.

If it makes you feel better donate 5% of your scrap cash to a charity. Can;t go wrong saving animals.

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

Just smile and wave........Have had people fill my whole truck when they saw me picking up items at the curb

Cruising the allays of Edmonton with my 1 ton truck sometimes found people chasing after me to get me to clean out the garage from old transmissions, engines and other parts assortments that junior had left behind from using his parents garage to swap out an engine.

Those were the good old days before thieves spoiled it for everyone.

maybe they just dont know what youre looking into their trash for.

if u explain that u are looking for scrap metal & ewaste, maybe they will keep those items aside & call you to take them away
or maybe they may have even more stuff that will give to you.

all u need to do is ensure u dont make a mess anywhere.

that said, i agree that you get all kinds of people & some of your neighbours might just be those who dont want u going through their trash- for whatever reason.

Originally Posted by alloy2

If it makes you feel better donate 5% of your scrap cash to a charity. Can;t go wrong saving animals.

agreed there for sure=)

Originally Posted by miked

Warning in many(most) communities removing anything from a recycle bin is a crime. Don't break the law it is not worth it. Keep reading the old threads they will show you opportunities you can't currently see. You will be well rewarded for your time and effort. 73, Mike


Oh and on those who may look down on you for scraping. Feed yourself, pay your rent, pay your bills and rejoice in your success. Mike

hm strange i thought once it hit the curb its public domain no matter if its in a bin or not as long as you dont make a mess. say like it you tear open a garbage bag then you should get fined other than that it should be fine.

Take your wagon and paint it up. Put e-waste removal or something like that right on the side. Get some cards. Also dont forget to smile and wave. That how you get more customers

play music that will get you noticed!

Originally Posted by miked

Warning in many(most) communities removing anything from a recycle bin is a crime. Don't break the law it is not worth it. Keep reading the old threads they will show you opportunities you can't currently see. You will be well rewarded for your time and effort. 73, Mike


Oh and on those who may look down on you for scraping. Feed yourself, pay your rent, pay your bills and rejoice in your success. Mike

Wow I had no idea. Thanks for warning me I figured once it is outside the house and on the curb it is considered public domain. What about if it is next to the recycle bin since the item is too big to go inside of it? Thank you for the well wishes!

Thank you everyone for your encouragement I won't let my neighbors make me feel this way anymore.

Where in New York are you?

In New York City everything at the curb belongs to the City.

The NYC Sanitation Police enforce the laws and will arrest and fine you.

NYC Sanitation Police Go On Regular Prowl For Sidewalk Scavengers « CBS New York