wow, i cant believe garbage picking is even an issue in other states... 90% of my scrap comes from the garbage. really glad to live in an area of the country where pretty much every day people put out whatever they feel like on the curb...
and about dumpsters, i've talked to the police more then once - can go into any dumpster on the sides of buildings & in parking lots legally... as long as the dumpster isnt locked, behind a fence, or have some type of "property of" notice on it they are fair game. common sense should tell you if you are doing something wrong or not anyway..