Items that Were Abandoned For A Long Time
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Question
Hello! I work in a place where people come and sometimes leave various items here. Am I allowed to take an item if several months have passed since it was abandoned and nobody came to take it? If not, what should I do with the item?
Answer
Hello,
If a long time has passed, and it is no longer reasonable to expect someone to come and take it, you may throw it away or take it for yourself.
It is advisable to post a notice that any item left for a certain period (a week/two weeks, etc.) will be discarded.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat, Siman 260, Se'if 1