Appropriate Disposal & Recycling Companies are the only collection companies to collect recycling from recycling carts or bins.
The practice of taking recyclables without the owner’s permission is called “scavenging,” and its against the law. Basically, it’s the same as stealing, and anyone caught stealing recyclables may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined.
Removal of recyclables from bins and containers prohibited.
No person shall remove any recyclable material or solid waste placed in or immediately adjacent to a bin or a container as part of a city contracted solid waste or recycling program without the consent of the generator of such recyclable material or solid waste or of the collector owning or operating the bin or container under contract.
Scavenging is the act of unauthorized persons going through recycling or refuse containers, whether the containers are located on City or private property.
Like illegal dumping, scavenging is a crime in San Diego, and it is taken very seriously by the City.
Every year, scavengers steal thousands of dollars in recyclables from the City’s curbside program, which makes the program less cost efficient and ultimately costs taxpayers. To help keep scavengers from taking your recyclables, place your container out at 6 a.m., the morning just before collection rather than the night before.
To help stop this crime, the City encourages anyone who encounters a scavenging incident that has already taken place to report it. If you observe someone scavenging, please take down the following information:
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