Uber releases Lost & Found Index. Here are the oddest things left behind

Have you ever hopped out of an Uber at your destination and watched the driver take off before noticing you left your bag in the back seat? You're not the only one.

Millions of items get left behind in the rideshare vehicles every year, and while some items are easy to return like a wallet or a set of keys, others are a bit more confusing for the drivers.

Now, Uber has shared its latest "Lost & Found Index," highlighting the most forgetful cities, most common items left behind and the most unique items that get forgotten in 2026.

What are the most forgetful cities?

Whether it's a popular tourist destination or just a fast-paced environment, residents and visitors of some cities appear to be more forgetful than others.

New York City tops the list with most items left behind in Ubers, followed by Miami, Chicago and San Francisco.

Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Dallas and Boston are next, followed by Atlanta in the ninth spot and Newark rounding out the top ten.

Patrons of Ubers in these cities most commonly leave behind phones, wallets, luggage, keys, headphones, clothing, passports, glasses, jewelry and laptops, according to Uber.

Items are also most commonly left behind on Sundays are during the month of July, the report shows.

"Our latest index shows some things never change. Phones topped the list as the most forgotten item (with more than 1 million reported), New York City secured its spot once again as the most forgetful city, and July 17 went down as the most forgetful day of the year," the report said.

Oddest items left behind in Uber rides

Uber shared the 50 weirdest items left behind (with no judgement) in Uber rides in 2026. Here's a look at some of the highlights:

1. Dentures with 2 teeth
2. Breast milk
3. Ankle monitor
4. 420 donuts
5. Live fish and a fish tank
6. Statue of Liberty cape
7. A bald cap
8. 2 pounds of blue raspberry Gushers
9. A child's prosthetic eye
10. A sleep apnea machine

Check out the rest of the list here.

A look back at some of the best

Uber began reporting the Lost & Found Index a decade ago, meaning this year the company took a look back at some of the craziest items to be left behind. Here are the top ten:

1. 2017 — Lobster
2. 2018 — Divorce papers
3. 2019 — Salmon head
4. 2020 — Lanyard that reads "virginity rocks"
5. 2021 — Large painting of Kate Middleton
6. 2022 — 500 grams of caviar
7. 2023 — A toy poodle (yes, an actual living dog)
8. 2024 — Fake butt
9. 2025 — Taxidermied rabbit
10. 2026 — 75 gallon fish tank

Leave something in an Uber? New feature helps report lost items

"If you're among the many who have ever accidentally left something behind, good news: we're rolling out an improved lost items experience in the Uber app that makes it easier than ever to get your belongings back in a few taps," the company said. "In select markets, you can now request an Uber trip directly in the app to have your lost item returned to you."

To request the item back, you can open the app and click "activity" in the bottom icon menu. At the bottom of the list in the help section is "find lost item," where you can report an item left behind in a vehicle. You can then select "request a return trip" where the original driver will bring the item to a designated location at the cost of a fare. You can then confirm the return in the app once the driver is back at your location.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at [email protected].