Actually, the law depends on where you live. Where I'm from, scavenging through trash is illegal. This law is in place to limit the mess that could result or traffic that would be blocked. Another reason against this is that people don't want strangers skulking around their houses in the dark.
If caught, tickets and fines could result.
there was a 60 minutes article once stating its legal........
there was a hassle awhile ago about people picking the recyclable metal, then taking it and selling it, the garbage collector had figured the scap revenue into the rates.
people should donate stuff instead of putting it out for trash.
but goodwill lost my donations forever after getting too picky, and carelessely dropping a fan, then returning it to my vehicle, saying it doesnt work.......
then they wondered why donations dried up
and trash locally goes to curb, its still legal to walk the streets. at lewast last time i checked.