I've been reported driving around a fairly rich neighborhood at 3am with a "truck bed full of suspicious things". I guess a neighbor thought I was stealing.
Cop caught up with me (I was in the process of digging through a huge pile from people that were moving when he pulled up on me). He ran my plates and license, asked the general questions about my intentions, encouraged me to continue (said it'll help the trash guys out in the morning), I told him I am not taking anything past the sidewalk and he left. Didn't give me a warning or anything, just a "have a good one".

He said it's not illegal, once the trash hits the curb it's considered "public property" until the garbage guys pick it up.



But I'm surprised it's only happened that once. There are prison units and many police stations in this area.