I found out through a friend that a neighborhood in Austin (I live near Austin) was having bulk trash day. We went to see if we could find a few things that we could use. My son and daughter (both honor roll students) needed some type of desk. We found one desk that was new, but had one broken screw – an easy fix. We also found a wheelbarrel that needed a little repair, and a basketball hoop. We could not afford these things otherwise. We were so thankful to find these items. I guess Austin is more “green-friendly”. People were in their yards yelling as we drove by “it’s free! Take it!” We thanked the lady with the basketball hoop and she said “you’re very welcome!” We didn’t dig through anything and I would never open a bag. There were many yards that have decorative plants and benches that I could clearly tell were not out for pick up. No one put bulk pick up next to decorations/plants either.

We’ve also put things out by the curb – I usually tape a piece of paper on the item and write “free” so someone will take it and not feel bad or wonder if they can. It puts a smile on my face and I feel good when I see it’s gone…knowing that someone came by and wanted/needed it. And the item didn’t go into the dump.

I think it’s harsh to call people “scavengers” or raccoons. We aren’t anything like that. That is the 1st time we’d done that though – I guess the people with trailers that do it all the time sell the goods at flea markets or such. Even so, they are recycling, and maybe it affords them the ability to pay for their prescriptions or something. You never know. I have nothing against people that have been able to make a nice living for themselves and their families, but there are people out there that live differently than you do. The littlest things can be a huge struggle. It may be nothing for you to throw out a 12 month old stove because you wanted a new one, while a family like mine would feel completely blessed/appreciative to have such a nice item to use. The same with furniture, toys, books, etc.

I am so sick of spoiled people not donating perfectly usable items.

I agree that it is not an invitation to steal things off your lawn, but those scavengers are doing a public service for those too lazy to donate or recycle.

As for the person who put a TV out for bulky trash…why would you do such a thing when they can be recycled???

Next time, consider recycling it.

We have our fair share of scavengers (which, by the way, should not be considered a pejorative label – it’s cool to scavenge!). I like to think of them as unwittingly being on the front lines of the green movement.

Zac Crain is nice. Don’t be mean to him. You want to go after someone? Go after Nancy. She’s SO controversial.

Here, I asked the DPD if scavenging was legal, after getting complaints from our neighbors. Turns out there’s no law against it.

Just saw TWP dumpster diving near Hall and McKinney. Could have sworn I saw a half-eaten chicken salad sandwich hanging from his mouth as he peaked out over the side of the dumpster behind Cafe Express.