Scavenging from trash is illegal in Burbank

In Saturday’s mailbag, a misinformed contributor claimed that scavenging is not considered theft.

She cited a 21-year-old incident in Hancock Park as proof that removing recyclables is permissible.

I contacted John Molnar, Burbank’s Public Works director, for clarification. Molnar confirmed that it is indeed illegal to scavenge any material from solid waste containers in the city of Burbank.

He further remarked that it is considered theft, in accordance with Burbank’s Municipal Code, BMC4-2-111.7, and any violation should be reported to the police department for enforcement.

Les Urban
Burbank