Hey everyone, I was out on a walk and found some stuff left near the sidewalk—a patio table and two broken chairs. It looked like it might’ve been unwanted, but it was kind of close to someone’s garbage bin. Does that mean it’s on their property, or is it public? Also, did I break any rules by taking it? What should I do now?
If it was near the sidewalk and next to their trash, it’s probably okay to take. Was it clearly marked as trash?
HenryIsaak1 said:
If it was near the sidewalk and next to their trash, it’s probably okay to take. Was it clearly marked as trash?
It wasn’t marked as trash, but it looked broken and abandoned. Does that make a difference?
HenryIsaak1 said:
If it was near the sidewalk and next to their trash, it’s probably okay to take. Was it clearly marked as trash?
Not really, if it’s broken and near the trash, most people leave stuff like that for pickup or for others to take.
You’re good as long as it wasn’t clearly on their private property. Stuff on or near the sidewalk is usually fair game.
Shaniera said:
You’re good as long as it wasn’t clearly on their private property. Stuff on or near the sidewalk is usually fair game.
Good to know! So if it was technically on their lawn but near the edge, I should leave it alone?
Shaniera said:
You’re good as long as it wasn’t clearly on their private property. Stuff on or near the sidewalk is usually fair game.
Exactly. Anything clearly on their property is better to leave alone unless they say it’s free.
A patio table? Nice find! Did you carry it home right then, or are you thinking about going back for it?
MissNicklaus said:
A patio table? Nice find! Did you carry it home right then, or are you thinking about going back for it?
I already took it and the chairs. They’re in my yard now. Feels weird, though. What if someone asks about it?
MissNicklaus said:
A patio table? Nice find! Did you carry it home right then, or are you thinking about going back for it?
If anyone asks, just say you thought it was left out for free. Most people won’t mind.
If it’s next to a garbage bin, they probably don’t want it anymore. People leave stuff like that all the time.
JapaneseSpitzExpert said:
If it’s next to a garbage bin, they probably don’t want it anymore. People leave stuff like that all the time.
I figured as much. Do you think it’s legal to carry stuff like this home, though?
JapaneseSpitzExpert said:
If it’s next to a garbage bin, they probably don’t want it anymore. People leave stuff like that all the time.
Totally legal if it’s on public property or clearly trash. Just don’t take stuff from private yards or porches.
Sounds like a cool recycling moment! You’re giving the table and chairs a second life. Any plans to fix them up?
DANIELS said:
Sounds like a cool recycling moment! You’re giving the table and chairs a second life. Any plans to fix them up?
Not sure yet, but they might make a nice addition to my yard once I clean them up!