Mind Your Trash, Bandits on the Loose

Are there trash thieves in our midst? Here’s Park Slope received a tip last week regarding some mysterious vans parked along 6th Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets, apparently loading up and taking off with local trash:

Almost every week I see these two vans, one 15 passenger van, and one cargo van pull up on to my street. Out pour like a dozen people with shopping carts, and they return with dozens and dozens of black garbage bags which they load into the vans.

Whether they’re taking recycling or trash is a moot point because, according to the NYC Department of Sanitation, both are illegal. Removing rubbish can bring about a fine of $100-300, but stealing recyclables with the aid of a motor vehicle results in a fine of $2,000 and vehicle impoundment. Ouch.

Not everyone is buying into the trash bandit scenario, though. Some FIPS readers think the vans belong to those guys who plaster coupons all over the neighborhood.

Just to err on the side of caution, it’s probably wise to make sure you’re not tossing anything into the trash that could result in identity theft. You know this drill. Shred your docs, South Slope.

Trash bandits? Coupon guys? Racoons going forward with step two of Operation Take Brooklyn? Let us know what you think in the comments.