Dumpster at jobsite

Question: am I trespassing or breaking some law if I get stuff out of a work dumpster from a job site?

I found a dumpster full of tin/steel ceiling tiles along with a bunch of wire, ceiling fans, and some other misc. stuff. Got our pickup bed pretty full before the cook (it's a restaurant remodeling) came out and asked us to leave. There's still at least another full load left, but I'm pretty conscientious of obeying laws and don't want any trouble. The dumpster is right by the sidewalk and is accessible from the road without going into the parking lot.

Suggestions? Leave it? Come back at off hours?

Thanks.

Find the contractor who is doing the remodel and ask for permission.

and go introduce yourself.

What if the contractor was recycling that himself, to help keep remodel costs down? You basically pulled food from his familys mouths. Ask before you take, especially large quantities like that

You need to check your local laws and ordinances before digging in. Nobody here on this site is qualified to give legal advice (that I know of).

Always, always, always ask first or it constitutes "theft by unauthorized taking".

I would ask I used to do this for bear bait I would go into a grocery store talk to the manager he would tell me to come when the are closed it looks bad for both them and you when people see you pretty much dumpster diving during open hours I would also have a waiver with you stating that you release them from any harm that may come to you i.e. stitches, broken bones even your truck/car this may up your chances with them knowing you take full responsibility for your actions and they wont be sued.