Just quoting you, George, because you're the most recent one to make that statement....according to law, anything out by the trash is free for the taking.
It all depends on local law.
I had time to search.
Remember, Kelly's from Pittsburgh, and she named Mt Lebanon. I used to live in the next Borough over, and I know whereof I speak.
Link to their ordinances: http://www.mtlebanon.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=3879
Applicable section:
On edit: Just becasue I know you'll all be interested, here's the section on recyclable materials:§102 Removing or Disturbing Rubbish, Garbage, Recyclable Materials and Other Refuse Prohibited.
It shall be unlawful to molest, remove, appropriate, handle or otherwise disturb the materials, containers or contents thereof which have been placed on private or public property or within private or public street rights-of-way for refuse and garbage collection; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to the owner, occupant, lessee or tenant of the residence, dwelling or business establishment depositing the said items for refuse and garbage collection as aforesaid, or to Authorized Refuse and Garbage Collectors making collections authorized by such depositing owner, occupant, lessee or tenant.
(Emphasis added)§303 Ownership of Recyclable Materials.
All recyclable materials placed by persons for collection by the Municipality or authorized collector pursuant to this Ordinance shall, from time of placement at the curb, become the property of the Municipality or the authorized collector. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be deemed to impair the ownership of separated recyclable materials by the generator unless and until such materials are placed at the curb side for collection.
I read that to mean that technically, once you put them by the curb, you can't even go out and bring your own aluminum cans back in...
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