tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151228711765835079.post8304632740762281498..comments2023-05-01T10:34:10.775-04:00Comments on free convection: on dumpster divingMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11194848676423219445noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151228711765835079.post-89439604276090875582009-02-24T16:08:00.000-05:002009-02-24T16:08:00.000-05:00option a) dumpster divepros: free, noncommittal, ...option a) dumpster dive<BR/>pros: free, noncommittal, fun<BR/>cons: illegal if trespassing or stealing (varies by location)<BR/><BR/>option b) ask permission to dumpster dive<BR/>pros: free, minimum commitment, fun but with overhead work<BR/>cons: risks associated with voiding the excuse of 'i didn't know any better'<BR/><BR/>option c) write letters to companies<BR/>pros: free, minimum commitment, could have a huge impact<BR/>cons: boring/ tedious<BR/><BR/>option d) talk to landfill/ trash company<BR/>pros: free, abundance of resources<BR/>cons: risk of rejection, reduced probability of finding useful junk<BR/><BR/>option e) start a competing trash removal service<BR/>pros: vast access to garbage from choice companies<BR/>cons: large time/ money/ effort investmentjkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00715248457045448680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151228711765835079.post-30673363261921982872009-02-24T09:41:00.000-05:002009-02-24T09:41:00.000-05:00I have to admit, I never really thought that dumps...I have to admit, I never really thought that dumpster diving as potentially illegal (granted I've only ever done it with the Perkins dumpsters). The best way to resolve this issue is probably to wait to hear back from officials. However, dumpster diving appears to be perfectly legal on a national level. California vs. Greenwood (1988) (check wikipedia) concluded that garbage put out for collection is no longer private. (The exact court case ruled that police can search trash and not violate the fourth ammendment) Sidewalks are municipal property and thus there is no right to privacy. I think commercial dumpsters are also municipal property. I also tried to search New York State and Monroe County laws but was unable to find anything. I would conclude that it is probably legal providing that you don't have to trespass to do it.jontshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15615451559888511275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4151228711765835079.post-55737947961784349752009-02-24T05:31:00.000-05:002009-02-24T05:31:00.000-05:00Well...I think the main reason why it is illegal (...Well...I think the main reason why it is illegal (yes, I think it is probably illegal) is because lot of times, dumpster divers don't take care to leave things in order. That is also why people install locks on some trash bins -- because they don't want strangers to open it up and throw their things into disarray. I mean -- do you want people looking through your trash? Isn't that a violation of your personal space? Especially if you are talking about the possibility that they will leave a mess behind.<BR/><BR/>Commercial establishment also have another concern they have -- their information security policy among others.<BR/><BR/>Now, I think that there is possibly stronger legal footing for curbsiding than dumpster diving. I'm interested in what the town has to say. But generally if I put something on the curbside I don't want, I'm happier if someone will take it and put it to better use than if it winds up in the landfill. I can really say that honestly, and I think lot of other people can too. It doesn't have the "stick it" sort of attitude. Lot of times people only put things on the curbside on garbage day if they really don't want to deal with something anymore and would be all the happier if someone took it off their hand. It is also less an invasion of privacy since you can clearly see what is on the curbside.<BR/><BR/>Another alternative that protects the landfill, is perfectly legal, and actually has potential to help others is...go to garage sales! Might cost you something, but at least you are helping someone else.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com