The phrase of “one person’s garbage is another’s …gold” was resplendently confirmed this week when Greek Police (EL.AS) announced that 20,000 euros in 50-euro bills was found in an old cardboard box tossed in a recycle bin.
A number of adages evoking honesty subsequently came into play when it was also announced that the cash was turned over to authorities by the deputy manager at a store belonging to a well-known electronics retailer. The box – which once contained a device now unknown to younger generations, i.e. a modem – was placed in an e-waste recycling bin.
Police were able to track down the elderly man seen on security footage discarding the box and other electronics and return the money.
Asked about the blunder that nearly cost him 20,000 euros, the man said he stored the money to pay for an upcoming home renovation.
Details of the incident were posted on Greek Police’s Facebook page, under the title “What would you do if you found 20,000 euros in a recycling bin?”, along with congratulations to the store employee that discovered and turned in the cash.
