Telephone Poles

[cesariojpn]

Was walking earlier today, and I noticed alot of the telephone poles on my walking route had numerous staples and nails stuck into them, with the occasional week old garage sale sign and lost pet flyer. Is it economical (and legal) to yank out these bits of metal from the poles? I figured on this route alone I could score a few pounds of metal, and maybe lose a pound or two in body fat.

[messymessy]

I doubt it would be worth your effort, but I THINK it would be legal to remove the tacks. The utilities around us actually have a (unenforcible) policy that you are not allowed to tack anything on the poles. If a serviceman ever has to climb the pole, he might tear his legs up on the tacks and staples.

One problem with removing staples on the poles is that you might be mistaken for someone stealing the copper ground wire off the pole.

[wayne1956]

I doubt if it would be illegal, but that would be a LOT of effort, and would take many, many of them to make just one pound. That pound would pay you and average of 10 cents. If you want to combine scrapping with dropping body fat, find a route where there is quite a bit of traffic (but can be safely walked), or maybe in an industrial area. I find quite a bit on these routes in lead wheel weights, pieces of brass, aluminum, occasional copper pipe and wire, etc. Also find some of the heavier iron and steel (lug nuts, big bolts, etc). Just keep your eyes on the ground and the pace brisk, and you can find a good bit and drop some pounds. Another idea would be to buy a cheap pair of pants with large cargo pockets, more storage area for when you are walking. I also take a couple of plastic walmart bags, as a few times I have found so much stuff that my pockets will not hold it all, or I find something too big to put in my cargo pocket, so I put it in the bag. Just a few suggestions I have found that have worked for me.

[silversaddle1]

Find a spot with a big pothole or bump in the road. Stake it out. You won't believe what will fall off vehicles.

As for the pole thing, you're kidding, right?