It's the same bin, it was just ravished by a Doctor Who monster of some kind, probably of around 1978 vintage. It's lucky that your partner didn't approach the thing, as he may have ended up encased in foam rubber, or worse: slimy bubble wrap.
Fos those of you who asked why he didn't go after the dude, out toddler was in the house napping, and he would have had to wake him up, strap him in the car seat and *then* gone on a belated high speed chase to track down Mr. Recycling bin weirdo. So basically, it was just impractical. He didn't realize there had been an exchange of bins till after the dude had taken off. My partner did manage to see that the car had a vanity plate- but his glasses are much in need of upgrade, so he couldn't read the numbers.
As for the idea about the rat traps- it's a good suggestion, and I'll take it under advisement, thanks.
As for the idea about the rat traps- it's a good suggestion, and I'll take it under advisement, thanks.