With this in mind, the spy merely pulls one or two papers from each bag until the bag with the target's garbage is found. The whole bag is then removed for inspection at a more comfortable location. This operation is conducted on a regular basis. In other words, this practice is basically legal. This decision spawned new profit centers for many private detective agencies, who now openly advertise garbage retrieval services.
Much valuable information is left in plain view during the work day and after hours.
Correspondence, manuals, appointment books, Rolodex files, wall writing boards, and other written material all contain information that is free for the looking. Computers represent a gold mine of information to the spy. Whether the information can be accessed remotely, or disks can be copied on-site and carried off, the results are still the same. High value, low risk, and no evidence of loss. To further complicate matters, sabotage is also a potential element.