I would assume that as well. In some jurisdictions in the US there is a precedent that when you take your trash out to the curb it is no longer private property

I would assume that as well. In some jurisdictions in the US there is a precedent that when you take your trash out to the curb it is no longer private property, so the cops (and anyone else) can take it and search through it for goodies. I would expect the same rules to apply to recycling bins as well.