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
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