Personally I do not feel there is a stigma to taking things out of the trash. One mans trash another mans treasure. I always feel good when someone picks something out of my trash. I put my trash out a day early if there is something in it that someone might be able to use.

I have knocked on the door and asked if it was ok to take something that is out for the trash.

Jilly, you should not worry yourself one bit about taking anything out of the trash.