There is a big difference between private property and common property. Common property is like a shopping centers parking lot and unless the dumpster has a fence or pad lock. What they throw in a dumpster, no longer belongs to the person or store throwing it away. The same thing is true when a person sets things out on the curb. The supreme court ruled that once you throw it away it no longer belongs to you.

That's why the police can go through your trash, without a warrant, if it's on the curb or sidewalk (common property). Also some of the movie stars tried to sue the paparazzi for the things they printed, that came out of the stars trash. That why you will see locks on the trash can of the stars.

I've never seen or heard any rats or animals in the dumpsters I check but I've seen a lot of sharp rusty metal and broken glass. But it's worth digging throught it for me. If I had to guess I would say I've saved over $1500.00 dollars in the last 2 years on things (Halloween) I've got from those 2 dumpsters. Not only that I made over $300.00 in last years yard sale just from those 2 dumpsters.