Garbage theft is a colloquial term for the illegitimate removal of items from a dumpster, or other waste disposal container. Due to the typically low value of stolen items, garbage theft is not considered a major crime in most countries. In The United States, garbage theft is punishable as 'Petty Theft', with a penalty usually involving a minor prison sentence, or a fine of up to US$1000, dependent on state laws regarding low-level theft.