Most have laws against doing any scavenging. Had a friend that lost his jobs in early 1990’s (he was VP of insurance company that collapsed) he made a living driving around affluent neighbors picking-up things on trash day. Brass beds, dynamite plunger, Oak desks, craftsmen chairs, books and items that should have been in the Smithsonian. Once he found a wooden box that was crushed but still locked – - surprise 3 gold rings one was worth $2000 !