What’s a “breakdown box?”

Spotted on a dumpster:

Yes, I know that the sign maker meant that people should break down boxes—that is, flatten them—before putting them into the dumpster.

But let’s have some fun with this. What do you think, dear readers? What would you use a “breakdown box” for?

Comments

[Loren Eaton]

The first thing I think of is that it would be a handy way of disposing of "evidence." Which means that I've probably been reading too much noir lately.

[Michelle]

Sounds a lot like the "quiet corner" we had when I taught preschool years ago. It was used for kids who needed a "time out" or just wanted a moment alone. The rule was that if someone was in there, you couldn't talk to them.

I had an especially bad day once, and did find it soothing to sit on the cushion on the floor, surrounded by walls on three sides with only my feet sticking out. I imagine a breakdown box would serve the same purpose.

[Lars Walker]

Obviously, a place to be alone while I hug myself and sob quietly, after having my breakdown.

[Tish]

I think I need one of these. Mine usually is the six walls of my bedroom and includes a stuffed animal.

[B.]

Where you go when you want to bust some ill freestyle raps.

That or a sci-fi flash atomizer. Made out of cardboard. Obviously.

[Ried]

A breakdown box is the place you store bits of flotsom and jetsom that is too good to throw away. Then when something breaksdown, you go through the breakdown box for cheap repair parts.

But then again, I'm an engineer, not a writer!

[Julie]

It's where I store my parts when I fall to pieces.