dumpster diving

[alsenior]

just a quick question really

what is the law like on dumpster diving in the country i.e. if im caught by police or security what is the worst that can happen

any ideas

p.s. im sure im not hte only one thinking this

[Funkstar]

You can be prosecuted for illegally removing property that does not belong to you. Some big time fraudsters have been done with this when they lifted peoples rubbish bags etc.

However, if it is old IT equipment etc. then just ask. There was a discussion about this recently, most of the time poeple are cool about it. I think the police have also said that they wouldn't bother about it unless there was a formal complaint made, and thats usually because of other reasons than just taking a old PC out of a skip (for instance).

oh yeah, old gear is one thing, documents etc is a *whole* other ball game

[alsenior]

i was thinking like old fans and psu for there fans. if i took a full pc i would let them watch me destroy the data or leave it behind if they so asked.but if its in a dumpster it gonna get thrown away isnt it? also what do you think th management of pc world would say?

[Jeebus]

Geez I can"t say this is a big problem over here (US,Canada)yaa know stealing from dumpsters and all !

[Hans Voralberg]

I've seen some people dumpster diving in London. Didnt hang out long enuf to see anything but doesnt seems like they got in trouble. Just ask really, normally they're more than happy to give old stuff away.

[chuckskull]

I used to do it all the time, generally, just ask, and you get a "whatever, we dont want it"

The guy at my local dump will keep good stuff back for you if you slip him a tenner and let you test it in his porta-cabin. Can of pop and a bacon bap always sweetens the deal

A few times I've dumpster dived a few PC, stuck them in a car, harvested the bits, stuck it in a dell case and into the local paper, £250 for an hours work, not bad at all.