[aberdeenwriter]

Is selling Seattle Seahawks stuff recovered from a dumpster an instance of theft?

I just saw this on the local KIRO TV news. Some guy(s) were tracked down by law enforcement for taking banners and Seahawks fan paraphernalia and stuff from the dumpster of a business which produced it BUT THREW IT OUT and selling it on eBay.

They say the culprit(s) could be charged with theft and/or trespass.

Crime or not?

I say after you throw it out, you abandon your claim to it to some degree.

[hickey]

Ive never sold any of the stuff I've acquired from dumpsters, but these guys have dont nothing illegal. The business should take it as a sign to be more careful and aware to what happens with ALL of their merchandise. Isnt that why we have QC? I bet there taking legal action to avoid embarassment.

[nredman]

well doesn't the city own the dumpster? so i guess i would be the cities?? i dunno - who would want seaducks stuff anways WOOOHOOO STEELERS!!!

[aberdeenwriter]

Originally Posted by nredman

well doesn't the city own the dumpster? so i guess i would be the cities?? i dunno - who would want seaducks stuff anways WOOOHOOO STEELERS!!!

Ha! Nothing like a sore winner!

[iLikebeer]

I thought anything put in the trash outside a business or on the curb at a residence was open to the public. Like people going through celebrities' trash or in the burbs when they are looking through the trash for Walter's body. That's why businesses usually put an X or ruin stuff they are going to throw in the trash. That's also why it's a good idea to shred or tear up any receipts, bank statements, or other peronally identifiable papers.

[Rolling Bones]

Dumpsters are usually on private property and sometimes locked so the law may not apply here. But I dunno.

[aberdeenwriter]

Originally Posted by iLikebeer

I thought anything put in the trash outside a business or on the curb at a residence was open to the public. Like people going through celebrities' trash or in the burbs when they are looking through the trash for Walter's body. That's why businesses usually put an X or ruin stuff they are going to throw in the trash. That's also why it's a good idea to shred or tear up any receipts, bank statements, or other peronally identifiable papers.

X- zactly.

And is THIS Walter's body you're talking about?

http://www.altereddimensions.net/aliens/GulfBreeze.htm

[Mastrap]

Taking stuff from dumpsters is technically theft. I know this sounds insane, but it's the law. Just because I threw something out does not mean I give others permission to take it - my intention is to destroy it.

As I've said, it sounds insane, but that's the way it is.

[aberdeenwriter]

Originally Posted by Mastrap

Taking stuff from dumpsters is technically theft. I know this sounds insane, but it's the law. Just because I threw something out does not mean I give others permission to take it - my intention is to destroy it.

As I've said, it sounds insane, but that's the way it is.

Yeah, what you said just has the ring of truth to it. The kind of thing a cop would say and you would be pissed but there'd be nothing else you could do so you just have to accept it.

[TETENAL]

Originally Posted by Mastrap

Taking stuff from dumpsters is technically theft. I know this sounds insane, but it's the law. Just because I threw something out does not mean I give others permission to take it - my intention is to destroy it.

No, your intention is to get rid off it. If you throw something away you forwent ownership of it. Therefore it's not theft if someone else takes it.

[rambo47]

I seem to recall that trash in your own cans or bins is still your property untill physically placed into the garbage truck/trash remover that picks it up. Once it's hit the truck it's fair game. This stuff probably varies from state to state, country to country, etc.

[Teronzhul]

Originally Posted by aberdeenwriter

X- zactly.

And is THIS Walter's body you're talking about?

http://www.altereddimensions.net/aliens/GulfBreeze.htm

Ah my hometown. Too many crazies in too small an area.

[Rolling Bones]

Originally Posted by rambo47

I seem to recall that trash in your own cans or bins is still your property untill physically placed into the garbage truck/trash remover that picks it up. Once it's hit the truck it's fair game. This stuff probably varies from state to state, country to country, etc.

Could be. I saw an episode of Law and Order and the cops had to wait until the cans were dumped in the back of the truck.

[Mastrap]

Originally Posted by TETENAL

No, your intention is to get rid off it. If you throw something away you forwent ownership of it. Therefore it's not theft if someone else takes it.

That's not what the law says. I suggest checking it out before making any rash statements.

[Mastrap]

Originally Posted by rambo47

I seem to recall that trash in your own cans or bins is still your property untill physically placed into the garbage truck/trash remover that picks it up. Once it's hit the truck it's fair game.

That's exactly right. Until the second it hits the truck you can prosecute anybody for theft who takes your garbage.

[Bandit240]

I dont know if its theft or not, but ive pulled alot of stuff from Costco's dumpster. I got this nice CD rack out of there, still in the box and all. Also got a 15ft round inflatable pool. Nothing wrong with it, even had the pump and all.

[ShortcutToMoncton]

Damn, Costco's dumpster! That's a great idea!

greg