RULES OF SCAVENGING
The legality of leaving stuff at the curb for all takers seems to be as gray as an old metal desk.
Minneapolis ordinances forbid putting your garbage in the street, defined as "solid waste; building debris; toxic or hazardous waste; human excreta, sewage, or other water-carried waste; or other like or similar substances or materials." In other words, no matter what you think of your ex's old golf clubs, hauling them to the boulevard with a big "Free" sign is OK.
Leaving your castoffs there for too long, however, might irk the neighbors, which could lead to a citation.
Mostly, though, it appears as if the provider-scavenger relationship is one of those situations in which everyone's a winner. There's even a "green" angle.
In Crystal, the curbside cleanup weekend enables people, especially older residents, to haul heavier objects to the curb instead of having to get them to the city landfill -- and even keeps stuff out of the landfill.
"People love it," said city clerk Janet Lewis. "It's a way to help keep the city clean."
The giveaway aspect isn't really intentional, she added, but the sight of an old water heater waiting to be hauled away just naturally leads to old strollers, lamps, planting pots and other former treasures being offered.
The only guideline Lewis was aware of is that scavengers shouldn't come onto someone's private property without specific permission; in other words, giveaway goods should be on or near enough the civic curbs and boulevards to keep everyone in their place.
