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 in The Sims 4. They may do this on their own or when ordered to by the player. When they do so, a food item will appear in his or her inventory, and the Sim will immediately go on to eat the food item. If the Sim is interrupted before the Sim starts to eat the food, it will stay in his or her inventory. This food item acts like any other normal quality food item, but its name is prefixed with the term "Rummaged" and will state who rummaged the food instead of who cooked it. When an item is rummaged from a trash can, garbage will be dropped on the floor.