Poll of the Day > Is trash still public domain if thrown in a private trash can?

(+) Yeah! (+)

Like I know anything taken out to the curb is fair game but what if you were in, say a store, and you saw someone toss something could you legally take it? The trash can belongs to the store but do the contents as soon as they enter it? I suppose you could wait until the store empties their trash and try to find it then?

It depends on a lot of factors. Is the dumpster in an area that is expected to have regular foot traffic? Are there walls around it partially or is it out where anyone can see it walking by? Does it have a lid or is it open? Do they lock the garbage?

Also you gotta factor in any local laws that might specify any exact rules regarding refuse privacy

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I thought it was always illegal to get into cans or dumpsters.