WHAT!!

What do you mean, you don't see the harm? If your garbage is in a bag the smell it somewhat limited. But if it is lying loose in your containers the smell can be quite powerful. Also we have dogs and clean up our yard and disgard the dropping in a ''double bag'' into the garbage bins. So if our bags contain litter and dog dropping and someone decides to rip open that bag, its okay? Can you imagine the smell that would come from the container on a hot and humide summer day. As you pointed out the pickup dates vary with the weather.

By MzPiggski

critters too

Not to mention that the open bags release smells, which attracts racoons and possums which I don't want around!

I understand picking cans to recycle. But I think it's disrespectful to rip open someone's gargage, no matter what's in it.

By 40th Street

what can we do, practically...

I don't like garbage pickers, as opposed to canners, whom I regard as enterprising souls who might otherwise be up to no good. I suspect the pickers of both id theft and casing our homes for burglary.

But I think we should do some research to find out just what is legal or illegal.

If what these folks are doing IS illegal, then the question arises as to what enforcement is realistically expected. John may be right that the answer is ''nada'' - ie nothing. BUT if the activity is illegal, we can threaten to call the cops, and, maybe do so.

I'll try to find out the law on this and post back to our group.

Lucy Cooper

Simple

If your garbage cart is on YOUR property any one who touches it without your permission is trespassing. So put up a NO TRESPASSING sign right by the garbage cart and call the police when someone enters your property.

These people are a nuisance. If the cart is on your property you can charge them with theft! The more calls to the police the better it can also be called prowling. Play the game, call the alderman the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Another thing take an old useless item and place it on the side walk close to you alley if it's taken, well you guys got a rash of burglaries going on in the neighborhood and it won't be lying.

It ain't going to stop unless you make it an issue. Police reports bring extra watch!

By X-Valley lover