A USPS collection box is a blue mailbox that is placed at the curbside and is fitted with a chute to receive mail deposited by motorists. These boxes are more common in bigger cities, where youll likely find one every few blocks. In rural areas, they are more spaced out. Anyone can use USPS collection boxes to drop off mail or packages as long as they meet the USPS guidelines.

Here are some things you need to know about USPS collection boxes:

• What can be deposited: Most regular, domestic mail can be sent out using a USPS collection mailbox, provided that it’s within a ten-ounce weight limit and bears the right postage. The postage can include the right number of stamps, metered postage, or PC postage. Online postage works for domestic mail that is dropped into collection mailboxes. Prepaid mail and packages are allowed to be placed in USPS collection mailboxes. The only exception is mail that contains restricted items, such as hazardous liquids or live animals.

• What cannot be deposited: Avoid placing any regular, domestic mail inside a collection box that weighs more than ten ounces, with few exceptions. You’ll also want to avoid using a collection mailbox to mail items that contain restricted items, such as hazardous liquids or live animals.

• When to use: You can use a USPS collection box to drop off your mail or packages anytime, but you should avoid depositing mail after the last dispatch time. Each box has dispatch times printed on a label, and it will point you to the location for the latest pickup time in your area. Avoid depositing mail during the night, Sundays, and federal holidays.

• How to find one: If youre unsure where the nearest USPS drop box is, you can click to find the ones closest to you. You will be prompted to enter your zip code and then select how far of a radius you want the locator to search. The site will populate the addresses of all the local collection boxes, and youll also be able to see the time that the postal employee will come and collect the mail.