The Scavengers Are Out

[cabinetman]

Today is our monthly bulk trash pickup (first Wednesday monthly). I finished stacking the pile about 3:00 PM yesterday. Mostly tree and shrub cuttings, and some wood scraps. I also finally got rid of DIL's wheeled suitcases that she replaced two years ago. They were actually in pretty good shape, she was just tired of them. So, I decided not to keep them, put them on the pile. Thirty minutes later, they were gone. I don't mind because whoever grabbed them probably will get good use of them.

I also tossed several empty cat litter pails. They make great buckets. LOML says they got to go. So, this morning they were also gone and replaced with some torn throw pillows. I don't mind the scavengers, even the ones that believe in exchange, but they sift through the pile and it's all over the place by the time all of them get done.
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[Thalermade]

I know what you mean. Putting a good, but unwanted item out front with a "free for the taking" sign doesn't work near as well as just placing the item, without the sign, near the garbage cans.

A scavenger is going to hit a mini-jackpot this week as I can finally set out all the metal from our trampoline that got bent and twisted after it was forced over the neighbors fence during the "wind event" that blew through Ohio back on September 12.

Never had any body leave anything in trade before.

Russ

[Pappy]

I have found some great things in the bulk piles on my route in the past. Not so much, anymore. Scrappers querry on craigslist to find out where the bulk pick ups are and load their trucks. A lot of the stuff ends up at the local flea markets or for sale on craigslist. Can't fault a guy for trying to make a buck, and it save some landfill space.

[Uncle Cracker]

What works best is a "For Sale" sign, as someone will take it, no matter how useless it is...

I also have noted that the "buzzards" will toss everything they don't want around and leave a mess. I couldn't sleep if I had done that.

[ironhat]

The scavengers got a rude surprise from our house once, long ago. We were nursing back to health a German Shepherd. When we got home from work one day we found that he had jumped the barrier and gotten horribly sick from both ends on the shag carpet remnant (I told you that it was a long time ago) in the living room. We just rolled it up and set it on the curb. The next morning it was gone. We didn't know whether to laugh or puke! I'm surprised that it didn't find its way back to our house.

[cabinetman]

Never had any body leave anything in trade before.

Russ

Hey, how 'bout this idea. For the guys that do have "stuff to trade", leave a sign next to the pile with a "please leave in trade" list. Maybe I'll finally get something I can use.
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[Uncle Cracker]

Hey, how 'bout this idea. For the guys that do have "stuff to trade", leave a sign next to the pile with a "please leave in trade" list. Maybe I'll finally get something I can use.
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If a guy is rummaging through my garbage, I'm not sure I would wanna end up with anything the he didn't want...

[dbhost]

The most amazing thing is, I have been REAL tempted as of late to stop on my way to work. This morning, in a pile of fence debris waiting for storm cleanup crews to pick it up, was what looked to be some mid size white oak cutoff, looked to be 4/4 rough cut stuff, about 18" x 12" for the bigger pieces, about 6 of them though!

I couldn't safely pull over and grab it dang it!

The particular neighbor that is tossing this stuff, I am certain bought the house with it in the attic or garage. The previous owner was a cabinet builder, this guy wouldn't know which end of a circular saw to use...

[crokett]

I have the opposite problem - people leave stuff in our cul-de-sac every couple months that I have to take to the dump. My neighbor and I trade off on who takes it.

[cabinetman]

I have the opposite problem - people leave stuff in our cul-de-sac every couple months that I have to take to the dump. My neighbor and I trade off on who takes it.

Keep your fingers crossed that the next time they don't leave a through street.
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[Alex Franke]

We usually give things like this that are in good condition to charities, and get a tax write-off in return... You'd be surprised at how it can all add up to some real savings!

[Uncle Cracker]

We usually give things like this that are in good condition to charities, and get a tax write-off in return... You'd be surprised at how it can all add up to some real savings!

Can also add up to an IRS tax audit, if you exceed the "magic number"... DAMHIKT