I also never had Amazon tell me to just keep it. Even some small $5-$10 item I scuff at driving to the UPS store.
Walmart often tells me to keep $5-$10 items despite the fact I have Walmart+, they are often in the neighborhood and happy to leave it outside for pickup.
This is interesting feedback. I wonder if Amazon takes it back so they can resell to recyclers? Still, I struggle to think if this makes sense. Or maybe they are trying to discourage no-return scams.
Walmart often tells me to keep $5-$10 items despite the fact I have Walmart+, they are often in the neighborhood and happy to leave it outside for pickup.