Prevent Recycling Theft 
Recycling theft or "scavenging" is the unauthorized collection of recyclable materials set out by residents for authorized collection programs with the City. City of Minneapolis Ordinance 244.355 (c) states that it’s against the law. Although you may feel this is a harmless crime, scavenging gives individuals an opportunity to survey what items you have in your alley, garage and home and takes revenue rom the City that could have helped keep your solid waste fees lower!
You can discourage “scavengers” by:
- Not putting your recyclables out until the day of pickup.
- Asking your neighbors not to put their recyclables out until the day of pickup.
- Call 911 if you see “scavengers” taking items. If the person leaves prior to the arrival of officers, you can call 911 back to let the operator know that a squad is no longer needed.
Contact your crime prevention specialist for additional prevention information. Call 311 (or
612‐673‐3000) or view the crime prevention specialist map.
Further crime prevention resources
Last updated Nov. 30, 2011