I’ve been kicked out of local junkyards ½ dozen times or so now. It’s a tricky game of trying to reach the waste pile when no one is looking, and also seeing who is on duty in hopes of at least ensuring that the same person doesn’t experience the pattern of kicking you out multiple times. Perhaps they would get aggressive and even block you from dumping stuff if you’re kicked out too much.
Strictly speaking, it’s theft to take stuff from the junkyard. To be clear, the junkyards in my area do not sell parts. They just melt and refine the waste. The melt value is naturally less than the as-is value to someone who would repair or reuse.
IMO, the #rightToRepair movement needs to expand to give the public access to junk before it’s recycled or dumped into landfills.
Was in the solid waste sector for a number of years, eventually managing a landfill.
It.would.blow.your.mind. to know what all, fully functional shit lands in even a small town landfill or transfer station.
I fully agree with OP, there should be a way to salvage parts and materials before they’re either burned or buried.
Unfortunately, liability laws and possessive attitudes may make that a tough row to hoe.
Often it is someone being overly cautious about liability laws and not the actual liability laws that are the problem. Nobody wants the risk, even when it is vastly overblown.