I must admit that I have seen things left on the curb with a "Free" sign that I was tempted to take. Stuff like a perfectly good desk or bookcase. I once saw a vintage 50's style dinette set and wracked my brain on how I could get it home! Then realized I had nowhere to put it.
A few weeks ago while walking in my dog around the neighborhood, I saw a floor fan, toaster, microwave oven, and a few other household items were sitting on part of the greenbelt of my complex. The items has a sign on it that said "Free".
Problem or not? Yet another neighbor put another sign on the same pile that said "Please Stop Putting Your Junk Out!
This practice has become a very popular way to dispose of unwanted items, but really? A used Toaster Oven? Not very long ago in a town home complex a homeowner who had just sold his home, left a "dumpster size" pile of unwanted items in a common area parking spot. Homeowner claimed that a non profit would be picking up the items. The pile included an old couch, old rugs, a beat up charcoal grill, and bags of old clothing. I knew from experience that many non profits will not pick up the items that were left out. It took several days to clear out the junk. Someone reported it to the HOA (not me!) and they sent someone to dispose of the items, and sent the bill to the previous owner.
In a town home situation, it's not a good idea to leave stuff in the common areas that need to be disposed of. There are many people that will haul away items for a small fee. More importantly, your neighbors will love you for it!
