Did you know that there are thousands of Amnesty Drop Boxes throughout the world? These drop boxes, which look like large mailboxes or baskets, are used to collect and dispose of prohibited and illegal items, no questions asked. Amnesty drop boxes are most often found in government buildings, airports and military installations, but they can also be found in private businesses and schools, depending on the location’s rules and regulations. Read on to learn more about why these amnesty drop boxes exist and where you can find them!
What is an amnesty drop box?
An amnesty drop box is a safe space for the public to dispose of prohibited and illegal items. Once you’ve checked an item into an amnesty drop box, the general public has no access to it; only certain people, like law enforcement, are granted the right to investigate and remove items from the box. Anyone can check-in their contraband without fear of punishment.
Where can you find them?
There are plenty of amnesty boxes at airports, but you may be surprised to know that they can also be found in courthouses, post offices, universities and more. This way, people who might have illegal or prohibited items can easily dispose of them without worrying about repercussions before entering a secure area, like a courtroom or a plane. And for these drop boxes, once you’ve dropped your items off, you can rest easy that nobody will be coming after you for them. They don’t ask names or take pictures—it’s completely anonymous and safe.
What kinds of things do they accept?
The most commonly accepted items are knives, alcohol, tobacco, fireworks and cannabis. Forgot that you had cannabis with you in a state where it is legal, and need to toss it out before you get to the airport? These boxes will help you out. While drugs and weapons make up the majority of amnesty box collections, some countries use these boxes for more interesting items. For example, Australia has these cabinets in place for vegetables and fruit in place to collect food that could lure pests and jeopardize their crops.
Why are they necessary?
Because they are placed in such highly visible locations, they are an effort by organizations (federal, state, local) to encourage people to get rid of their contraband without fear that they will be arrested. This program offers those who would otherwise dispose of these items illegally an opportunity to do so in a safe environment.
The purpose of amnesty drop boxes is both practical and philosophical. They protect local communities from dangerous items that could cause harm, while allowing the person disposing of it to do so without fear. Some people find these boxes useful because they allow their disposal with little effort. Others use them anonymously in case something inside was stolen, thus protecting themselves from any potential liability. In any event, you can be sure that a nearby amnesty box will provide a convenient way for you to dispose of your unwanted prohibited or illegal items at your convenience.