The TSA screens tens of millions of passengers at airports every week and confiscates lots and lots and LOTS of items deemed ineligible for flight. Guns, knives and other weapons come to mind first, but just about anything marked with a big, red “No“ on the “What can I Bring?” page of the TSA’s website can be taken away from you.
What they do with it all varies from item to item. Some of it is donated to non-profit organizations. Metal items are recycled as scrap. Food and liquids items are tossed (including all those bottles of booze. Sigh.). But most of it sees a different ending.
They auction it.
Confiscated items that can’t be donated, recycled, etc. are sold in the states where they were found. Some things are sold outright, but others are auctioned, either online or in person. Each state has its own way to make the goods available, although most combine it with state surplus and goods confiscated by law enforcement. Here’s where to check in each state (list via eyeflare):
If you’re ever available to check an auction out, I’d suggest it – the variety is incredible (and sometimes more than a little bewildering LOL).
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
3 comments
Once I arrived at a major airport about 1 am. I walked from the gate to the terminal. There were few passengers, mostly from my flight. I looked into the disposal bin before the security line, which was closed for the night. I saw a very nice pair of scissors inside. I took it. I still have it 10 years later.
I almost never pick up rubbish but the scissors looked too good. It was still in the package.
LOLOLOL! That’s a great story! I’m glad you got a pair of scissors out of it! 🙂
Huh, I had no idea! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve rarely seen anything like these items get confiscated at airports. The strangest thing I’ve seen was a group of four European tourists each get the LARGEST jars of peanut butter confiscated from each of their carry on bags. Biggest jars of peanut butter I’ve ever seen. I was almost as disappointed as they were.