What do you do with your old suitcases?

[Hvr]

Just remember to dispose of your old luggage with respect. It might have case for you causing it to have emotional baggage.

 

[AuSammy]

Over the last couple of decades, twice I have been overseas when I experienced a problem with my suitcase and decided to replace. In each case housekeeping staff were very happy to grab the old one and take it home. I have no idea what they intend to use them for. Maybe repair and sell. Maybe repair and use.

 

[markis10]

Plenty of luggage repair places around, and well worth the effort to track them down, many operating little stores or from home.

 

[VPS]

There is an excellent luggage repair place in Adelaide

 

[oz_mark]

I have never really thought about it, but then over the years, I think I have only had a couple that have reached what I would call end of life. I think it's pretty minor compared to other the other rubbish I dispose of.

 

[kevrosmith]

An Airbnb I stayed in Tokyo was very specific in their departure instructions asking not to leave suitcases. I guess they may have been left with someone’s discarded case once and were left responsible with disposal. Vaguely knowing Japan’s rigorous rubbish regime, I wondered if it perhaps cost them considerable to dispose of it.

 

[NM]

I recall once turning up to CBR with two checked bags, when I really only needed and wanted to check in one of them. Long story which I won't go into here. The short version is: I ended up checking in only one of the bags, and the VA check-in staff mentioned that they would gladly take my second (empty) suitcase if I didn't want it. Apparently they like to keep a few used suitcases around for various purposes, including as replacements for passengers with lost bags. Saved me trying to fit it in the airport rubbish bin!

I was a beneficiary of such a process once. AA managed to destroy a small hard-shell "brief case" I had checked-in on a LAX-DFW flight. They acknowledged the destruction was their fault and offered a solution - I was shown to a large room filled with various "used" bags/cases and asked to select any one I would like as a replacement. I was happy with the immediate resolution to my problem.

 

[Rayesfeg]

Mrs SS is fond of buying a new suitcase overseas and then abandoning her old one (which is usually still in good condition) at the hotel we are staying at.

Funny you say that, I stayed at a hotel in Osaka recently and it had a note card in the room saying that you will be charged 10,000 JPY (I could have that figure incorrect) for suitcases left behind. Had never seen something like that before.

Now I think about it, I've heard in Japan rubbish and recycling is very strict. Perhaps city rubbish trucks refuse to take suitcases and any left behind are a nuisance to the hotel.

 

[bPeteb]

When we were downsizing late last year before our move, I took some large cases and a variety of soft bags to our local Lifeline and they were greatfully accepted. A well-used carry-on with wheels poking at at 45 degrees was replaced last week. It will be going in the large waste bin.

 

[flyingsal]

Storage for Lego, tools, travel gadgets, Christmas decorations, hand-me-down kids clothes, etc

 

[sudoer]

Now I think about it, I've heard in Japan rubbish and recycling is very strict. Perhaps city rubbish trucks refuse to take suitcases and any left behind are a nuisance to the hotel.

Have lived in a few different parts of Japan over the years and can confirm that sodai gomi or bulky garbage (anything that can't fit in a standard rubbish bag - be it suitcases, mattresses, bicycles, whitegoods, etc) are disposed of by purchasing a prepaid disposal sticker and affixing it to the item before leaving it outside on the day you've booked for collection.

10,000 yen would be an inflated cost, I've never seen something cost more than 5,000 yen. I expect a large suitcase would usually cost around 1000-1500 yen but this varies from city to city.

FWIW Japanese residents don't pay for garbage collection in their rates. The purchase of city-specific garbage bags includes the collection fee, a bit like a postage stamp. It's a fairer system in the sense that you only pay for what you dispose of, and discourages unnecessary waste (ironic in the land of multi layered plastic packaging)