Australian state rolls out machete ‘disposal bins’ ahead of ban

An Australian state has asked citizens to surrender machetes at disposal bins ahead of a statewide ban on the weapons aimed at combating knife crime.

Australia’s state of Victoria on Thursday announced that more than 40 machete disposal bins will be available at police stations across the state to allow citizens to safely get rid of the weapons without a penalty before the Sept. 1 ban begins.

"Owning, carrying, using, buying, or selling a machete without a valid exemption or approval will be a criminal offense," the Victorian government said in a statement.

The government is running a "Machete Amnesty" period from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 to support the safe disposal of machetes. Those who do not surrender their machetes during the amnesty period may face imprisonment of up to two y...