samsara, I don't believe it is right to classify picking reusable stuff off the street as 'nepali mentality'. It is all too common in my experience, here in the US as well as in Europe. In Germany, people actually put stuff outside in front of their house so anyone who found it useful could take it. As long as you use your common-sense about where you pick the stuff up from and its condition, you should be fine. It is always wise to check for bugs and other defects before bringing it into the house though.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!