Last I knew, it was illegal to remove recycling from the curb side cans that residents put out for recycling. You could verify that with the PD and then candidly ask them if they would respond if you called the next time you see it taking place. It maybe too low on their list to get attention.

I recall reading once that the reason it was illegal is the income from the profitable recycling items subsidize the program.

I dont know if all this is still true, I think I read it back when they gave us those milk crate like bins to recycle with.

Im sure that your concern has everything to do with the financial health of the recycling program and nothing to do with "undersirables" in your neighborhood.

If "undersirables" == thieves, then yes, I dont want them in my neighborhood. Do you?

Thieves. Stealing the....stuff you threw out....

Well it was not me that they took from, but lets say it was, I would respond...

I did not throw it out, I put it out for collection. I want the city to get the revenue, not him.

btw, it is illegal in mountain view too. This is a pretty typical city ordinance. Here is an MV reference for your convenience

Web Link

Im well aware that its illegal in MV, and I have personally experienced the "horror" of having my empty Cab bottles pilfered. We had an elderly gent in my neighborhood a few years back who would collect a couple of grocery bags of bottles every other Thursday morning. Id guess he needed the cash to buy a bit of food. I spoke to him once, asking him to be aware of the noise he made and that some people might still be sleeping. He was quite courteous.

But Im sure that the city needed the $4 more then he did...

There is a big difference between that scenerio and the one originally described. In your scenerio, I would have set them aside for him, so he did not have to wait for trash day to steal them.

Once you put recyclables out on the street they belong to PASCO (per PAMC 5.20.090).


Palo Alto Municipal Code 5.20.090 Collection and ownership of recyclable materials - Residential premises.
(a)The city shall provide a program for the collection of recyclable materials from residential premises. For the purposes of this section, recyclable materials includes yard trimmings and any other similar materials designated by the director.
(b)Recyclable materials placed for curbside residential recycling collection shall become the property of the collector at the time of placement at the curb or other designated location for collection. The collector shall have the exclusive right to collect such recyclable materials.

and the difference is....?

PR
A few years ago we were asked by a nonresident "recycling collector" if it was OK for him to go through our bins on trash day and take our bottles/cans on a regular basis. We said "no" because I did not want a stranger hanging around my home at night. I know some people in the area do permit him to take their recycling. He appears to be in his 60's and rides a bike to collect items, usually collects late at night. Once, maybe a year ago, we saw the more organized Van/Car "thieves", but did not have time to call any authority. They were looking through the recycling but I am not sure what they took. I care most about personal safety issues regarding people who are bold enough to linger near my private property late at night. I can just imagine how I would feel if I arrived home late and saw a stranger loitering near my home. I did call the recycling company and they said to call the nonemergency police number if the recycling thieves are observed. It is some sort of crime. We are in Barron Park, just across El Camino from you in Ventura.

I feel extremely sorry for such people. They need the money more than anyone else. It is probably the most efficient way to distribute money to the needy.

And one need not worry... they will recycle it. that's how they will get some money out of it.

:.-(

I dont assume that everyone that does it is just trying to survive.

I know of one young college woman that is raiding recycling bins to save money for a trip to Europe.

People with a truck going house to house could make a nice tax free income, do the math.

[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

Most of the 'thieves' are homeless. To them, the money from the cans might mean having enough money for a night in a cheap hotel where they can clean up and take a brief break from the street. The cans they 'steal' still get recycled. The same 'law&order' people who so object to those poor souls 'stealing' their cans, usually have no problem when their own gardeners use deafening gasoline leaf-blowers, against the law.

Rick,

You are reading a lot into my posts that is not present. If a homeless person comes by my house and wants them, I'll fish them out of the bin for him/her, no questions asked.

Interesting question.

If you set your bin outside and fish stuff out yourself, are you a thief.

Its ok, I bribe elected officials on a regular basis, I'm sure they would work the system for me. ;^)

OK OK Ok

Now I know. I constantly have to fish things out of my recycling can often when it has been put on the kerb. My kids always accuse me of recycling their homework and other important school papers they leave around the house. Maybe I should turn them into thieves and get them to look around the can themselves. Or maybe, the idea that they might be thieving will prevent them from leaving important stuff around the house!!

I dont think you want to run the risk of your kids going to the big house for recycling theft. I hear recycling theives are pretty low on the food chain. But if they get sent up, make sure they stay away from the leaf blower gangsters. Really tough crowd.