Is this legal, Oregon?

[kilbornz]

What is the name of your state? Oregon (Clackamas Co.)

I am trying to collect information on a person to help in collecting a judgement. I would like to know if it is legal to take someone's trash. If they set it out, off their property, then can I take the garbage that's in it? I called the county sheriff and was informed to ask and attorney.
I am going to court soon and would like to have any relevant evidence with me, so a reply ASAP would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[absconder]

Trash diver

If the police can why cant a citizen?Trash is no longer personal property but there might be a local ordinance against dumpster diving for cans.

 

[kilbornz]

Trash

Thanks for your reply. I had a chance to read more about this and found what seems to be the last decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court on this issue. If you are interested, just do a search on California v. Greenwood. Here in Portland, OR we also had a local newspaper (Willamette Week) do a story on the Portland Police performing a search like this on another officer. It's a pretty interesting story, just do a search if you're interested.