Hi just wondering if anyone could help with a problem question for my law degree.

If someone who works for a private refuse company (like a bin man etc) and keeps some property that he is meant to dispose of, would he be stealing from the company that he works for or the original owners of the property he has taken? Are there any cases that are similar?

Any help would be appreciated!

He is not stealing from the original owner once it is placed at the curb. It is free to anyone who wants it. Now stealing from his employer is another matter. Many waste hauler recycle and this could make him a thief if he takes things without the companies permission. You would need to know all the rules and regs of the company and what he was told when hired.