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I'm curious what types of experiences everyone has had with police officers while scrapping or dumpster diving. Any tips you can provide to keep me from getting into trouble while eeking out a meager income from scrapping?

I know of some people on this site who have taken donuts to their favorite bank tellers, but somehow taking your oily, greasy, filthy hand after going through a dumpster and saying "How about a donut officer?" doesn't seem like it would do any good...

Whatever you do, don't make any sudden moves, especially towards your pockets. I have encountered them in the past when I would drive around on trash night scrapping. They are human and have a job to do. I found that if I am respectful and cooperative they will let you do your thing. I avoid dumpsters without permission in writing or the owner on premises. Not worth the hassle. I recently connected with a tire/brake shop and pick up scrap metal (rotors,etc) weekly. I just gave them a 5 gallon pail (I wrote "wheel weights") for the lead. If you ask around the possibilities are there.

You are right. It's probably not a good idea to approach a cop while asking "What do you think about concealed carry?"

Use tie downs, straps, tarps and flags to try and keep them from pulling you over.

Some cities and towns have ordinances against dumpster diving and/or curbside scavenging and you can get ticketed or prosecuted for violations. It's always good to be aware of local laws.

If the dumpster is branded with a scrap metal company's name, taking scrap out of it is a definite no-no. If the dumpster is enclosed behind a locked gate or fence and you circumvent the fence to get to the dumpster, you can be charged with trespassing or worse.

Regardless of local laws, if approached by an officer, follow their directions and answer their questions. Changechecker's advice is solid. Making any sudden moves is inadvisable, especially at night. Asking permission from the business during normal hours is usually a better practice. If they say no, it's not a big loss as there are always other sources of scrap.

And I second hobo finds' advice on properly securing all loads.

There is a recycler near me that accepts drop-offs of all sorts of materials, they don't charge anything but also don't pay anything - a business model that only works in a mostly affluent and eco-friendly place like Portland I suppose. I take my home waste cardboard/paper/plastics there and usually peak in the metal dumpster - often full of appliances and other goodies, what a business.