Stealing Trash

Here's an article on trash stealers, who go around swiping people's recycling, and ... recycling it. Some of this stuff is criminal and should be fully prosecuted, like stealing manhole covers and free magazines. But stealing homeowners recyclables is doing them a service.

Now, I don't mean it helps them to have the stuff gone. What I mean is, it lets them know they are being overcharged for waste management. Garbage is a serious racket. Our homeowner's association contracts with a local company at $7/month for curbside trash and recycling service. Our city recently passed a law that said that anyone who does not have a contract through their homeowner's association which includes recycling, has to use the city's designated provider at $20/month. Ouch.

The city's provider is happy to charge extra for the recycling service, and then sell the raw materials for a hefty profit.

If freelancers can make a profit provide recycling service for free, why are residents being charged?