Rummage

Sims can rummage through trash in The Sims 3 and The Sims 4.

The Sims 3
Rummaging through trash in The Sims 3 allows Sims to find items. However, it usually isn't worth the drop in hygiene, even though it is possible to find treasures worth up to §15,600. Rummaging may prove worthwhile for Sims with low income, particularly when rummaging through the trash cans of rich Sims. Sims in the Law Enforcement and the Journalism careers also use it to dig up dirt on someone they wish to write a report on.

List of items found in the trash

 * Wugglesworth Schnuggles Bear
 * Ducksworth of Bathington
 * Trash
 * Unknown Seeds
 * Metal
 * Gems
 * Space Rocks
 * "Flopped" Books
 * VR Goggles
 * Mood-Lite Candle
 * World's Brew Bubble Bath
 * Death Flower Seed
 * Newspaper
 * Harvestable items
 * Food

Journalism
Journalists can also find negative information about a Sim in the household, which can be used to write a negative story. A story can be written from an Interview, although this requires the Sim to be a friend with the interviewee.

Sims in the Law Enforcement career can also find information to write a report on a Sim in the household. A report can be written from Questioning the Sim, but this requires the Sim to be on good terms with the law enforcement official.

The Sims 4
Sims with the glutton trait can rummage through trash cans for food. They may do this autonomously or when directed to by the player. If they find something, the food will appear in their inventory, and will be consumed by them shortly afterwards. If the interaction is interrupted before they start eating, the food will remain in their inventory. The food will have normal quality, but will be identified as a "Rummaged" food scrap, and will state the name of the Sim who found it, rather than the name of the Sim who cooked it. Rummaging through a trash can will create piles of garbage around it.