Big score cut short

Back in the fall I sold my first load of metal and the pay wasn't worth the time and effort I put in so I gave up until a few weeks ago I was wandering through the woods and I stumbled upon an illegal dump. It really pissed me off because the park is beauitful but I saw a ton of scrap metal and I figured it would be worth it. I collected a huge pile and it was just a fraction of what was out there.
I had to haul it up a giant steep hill(I took a picture but it won't let me upload and the picture makes it look small). I eventually get most of my pile to the top and bring a few loads home and the cops come. They were real cool and supported what I was doing but the city doesn't want me doing anything with it because of liability issues. Next week I might make my way down to where I need to go and try and convince them to let me take the rest because I worked **** hard for it(at least 50% of the pile is still left). Even if they say no I still got a decent amount.
I've never had any trouble before and I thought they would be glad I was trying to clean it up but I guess not. Anyways I thought I would post this to get some tips on convincing the city and to share that illegal dumps are the best for getting scrap metal!

My phone is stupid so sorry for the wall of text

it may take some time to find the right person. but ask around at the city offices for someone that has authority to deal with this. maybe you can sign a liability waiver

Heck if you jump thru all the hoops then you should bid on the removal of this eye sore on city property! If they don't want you to remove for free then charge them!

if you charge, they are more likely to want you to have insurance

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Originally Posted by MattInTheHat

if you charge, they are more likely to want you to have insurance

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They are going to want insurance either way, even if they let you do it for free. It is the liability they are concerned about.

See if you can get a local non-profit involved, they will have more support and you can benefit by the contacts and leads that this type of endeavor can provide. No matter what happens I think you are doing good!

Thanks I didn't really have a clue what to do because I've never delt with it before (If I get hurt then that's my own fault but I realize everyone doesn't think like that). I don't see why I couldn't sign a libality waiver and collect the rest. If I'm successful with that then I'm considering getting in contact with some people that I know that could get a large amount of people together to completley clean it but its a bit more difficult than picking garbage up on the side of the road so who knows

I have had a fair amount of dealings with AHJ's in my hobby. They are hyper concerned with liability. If you tell them you are bringing a large group then they will definitely balk. Signing a liability waiver is only useful to them as evidence in a court case, and going to court is the last thing they want. They know you (not you personally) will sue them even if you have signed a waiver because you know their insurance company will offer you money to go away, so they can avoid court. Court is very expensive.

Having said that, insurance is not the magic bullet. I have been turned away with two, million dollar plus policies in my hand. It all depends on how risk averse your particular local officials are. I would definitely give it a try. If they say no to your waiver, you can offer them insurance if you think the job is worth the cost. I would thing the liability for picking up scrap in the woods would be fairly inexpensive but you need to call an agent.

Good luck and keep us informed. Your experience may prove to be helpful to the next guy...