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I have heard horror stories before about people yelling, cops and all that as well. The last thing I want to do is fight with someone over garbage! I have never had a problem, but almost always go to the door and ask first.
What I did years ago was ask if it was out in the trash and that I could use it for parts as I was a repairman. Always had good responses, many times the owner would help me load it even! Quite often I would get other non-working sets they had or they would need repairs on other tv's in the house. Made a lot of friends that way as well!
I think that if you approach people in a friendly way about the items on the curb they are more than happy to give them to you. Plus, if you let them know you can help them with any electronic repairs in the future (vcr cleaning, repair discount) it gives them something back. Never have I paid money for any curb finds. I have dealt with a wide range of people in the business world for 30 years now and have gotten to know how to deal with all types of people pretty well. Of course, I no longer do any regular picking so maybe people have gotten grumpier lately? If I happen to be driving somewhere like I was several weeks ago and find something than so be it. But gas is too expensive and my car unreliable to drive my old routes anymore...
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