We’ve all been there, wandering in public, carrying something that we need to toss. Maybe it’s a used wrapper. Maybe we are being responsible dog owners. In any case, it would just be so much easier to dispose of it in the nearest trash can, right? Even if it isn’t yours.

RELATED: What this Seattle thief tossed in the garbage

Just take Jack’s experience over at the Wallyhood Blog. He notes that his trash can is often used by strangers.

As if we don’t have enough of our own garbage! I live on what, for many people, is their direct line to Gas Works Park, so my can probably gets stuffed more often than most. It’s not the end of the world, of course, but I have such a really small can …

But it is made to take in trash, so what’s the harm? Turns out, it isn’t exactly legal.

“Yes, technically it is illegal … but I don’t think we get that many calls for this,” said Seattle Det. Mark Jamieson.

The detective cites Seattle’s municipal code 21.36.440 – Unlawful use of solid waste container on private property, which states: