MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and in this economy, that’s certainly true. People search for scrap to make a quick buck. But taking trash is against Minneapolis city ordinance and neighbors want to stop these so-called Alley Trawlers.
“They’ll usually stop and dig through the trash a little bit,” said Minneapolis resident Stan Levitz.
His neighbor has seen them, too.
“On a routine basis there’s pickup trucks that come through the alleys, usually before garbage pick-up, looking for scraps,” said Minneapolis resident Ross Chavez.
Most search for metal or recycling; items they can turn in for fast cash. But that’s sometimes done in a hurry.
“They’ll make a mess up here and that’s not really cool,” said Levitz.
Neighbors say they try to be patient, knowing most of the time it’s the economy pushing families to rifle through garbage on the curb.
“I understand that people are trying to make money any way they can now, but it’s kind of a nuisance to the neighborhood,” said Chavez.
Some worry this small act could turn into a larger crime.
“I wish they’d leave the bins alone because people’s personal papers can be in there and that kind of thing. It just leaves too much open for the criminal element,” said Levitz.
Chavez also believes it could lead to more bold acts.
“We’ve had an increase in residential burglaries in this area as well,” said Chavez.
While there’s no way to tell if the two are connected, people here are calling for action.
People are only supposed to be in the alley if they have a reason, like walking to and from their home. Once a person sets out something in the trash, no one else can take it without the owner’s permission.
If you see something suspicious in Minneapolis, call police or dial 311, where you can get detailed information to find out if what you’re seeing is against city ord
