Trash picking etiquette

[Cumberland]

So we are in a new neighborhood in a small town. Every neighbor that came to introduce themselves ( like 5 different families!!) already knew that DH is a doctor, we have a new baby, originally from Florida. I guess the previous owners were pretty chatty. So I keep seeing the best castoffs on trash day. There was an empty rubbermaid bin with the top, a planter, old buckets, etc. I just feel kind of weird whereas I never did before. When we were in NYC, we would trash pick with no problem right on our street. DH tfeels weird too, he wants me to ask before I take anything. I guess it would be a good way to get to know my neighbors but I would much rather pull up with the trunk popped, stuff and run. What do you think?

signed,
one man's trash is another man's treasure
AKA
Sue Anne

[Meenah]

Stuff and run after dark!!!!!!

Actually I really don't know what I would do, but probably after dark!!!
Luanne

[samssugarmomma]

I'm with Luanne! Scope the goods out in the daylight and grab it under the cover of darkness!!

I figure if it's on the curb, it's fair game. I used to put the "good stuff" out next to the bin just SO people would pick it up. Better it be used than in a landfill. Dark, daylight, who cares? If they see you, they'll probably just think you're a clever recycler and thrifty. In a small town, getting that sort of reputation is much better than them thinking you're some high and mighty doctor's wife...

Yeah I would feel weird about it too, especially since it seems to be such a gossipy neighborhood. But at the same time, what a waste to let something useful get thrown out. So maybe it would be least awkward to knock on their door and ask if you can take it, even though you obviously don't need permission to take trash. After asking once, I'd just start picking without asking.