\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Thank you Bob. If you go to the range, you might take the ammo with you on your next visit to see if theyll accept it. Drop off ammo to a hazardous waste facility or event. With these points made, it is worth looking further into this important topic. If a round is cracked or dented, it isnt safe to shoot. For tips on disposal/recycling of flares, visit hereor the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (CDTSC) at (800) 728-6942.Contact your local authorities to inquire about ammunition, explosives, or fireworks:Orange County Police Departments (Cities)Orange County Sheriff Department (Unincorporated areas) or call the Sheriff's Hazardous Device Section(714) 538-2694.Orange County Fire Authority (Fireworks disposal)TIP:Always contact your source for proper guidelines on transporting, packaging or delivering sensitive items for recycling or disposal. Or, locate a free drop-off location at www.byebyemattress.com. They work with local police agencies and ammunition recycling companies to pick up these old ammunition rounds. It's much better to inadvertently dispose of good ammo than to try and shoot bad ammo. However, if you encounter resistance at your local ammo supplier, you have other options for getting rid of defective ammo. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Now that we have talked about what you should do to safely dispose of old ammo, we should go over the things you should not do. Storage. Ask about a pickup to your area for multiple unwanted firearms. Bryan has nine years of professional experience and is an NRA and Florida State Certified K Instructor. Never throw ammo in the garbage or bury it, even if you've soaked it in water or oil. Jeese. some people here have no clue as to the facts.The reloads are the only thing that are illegal and unsafe to sell. Reloaders are equipped to break the ammunition down into smaller parts safely and may work with gun stores to buy old stock or repurpose turned-in ammo. He prioritizes safety and building comfortable environments for people to learn skills safely. Usually defects or structural compromises of a cartridge render it unserviceable. You can bring spent brass shell casings as scrap metal to a metals recycler like GLE Scrap Metal. Whether you're completely new to gun ownership and shooting or a seasoned pro, at some point you'll likely encounter ammunition that can't be shot. This option isn't for everyone and requires that you have a commitment to safely and correctly reloading. Just because it has an indian head on the box. I have a box of 30/30 winchester that is valued at $125.00 for the box of 20. Make sure you call the non-emergency line of your local police department ahead of your visit. Police stations will also sometimes accept small amounts of ammunition. Once taken apart, the cartridge is no longer dangerous. Sell or give the firearm to any individual, museum or business with a licence to acquire that particular type of firearm through the official transfer process; or. The Fresno County Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility is located at: Google Map to HHW Facility. The water would seep down into the powder and destroy any possibility of it ever being used. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Development (1-800-267-8376) can provide information on export permit requirements. Recycle batteries with a retailer or take to an OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. Many people think that just because ammunition is "old" that it isn't any good - it depends on how it was stored! 1-800-533-8414. info.recyclestuff@gmail.com. First you should determine if those old rounds really pose a hazard. The officer will ensure the gun is unloaded and rendered safe before taking possession of it . So, whether it's setting up and maintaining your EDC bag, laws on concealed carry, or refining your medical kit we tackle the hard questions. Ammunition projectiles, propellant, and primers . I hope this article answered your question on whether or not old ammunition can explode and how to dispose of old ammo. Therefore, an in-person return is your best option. I am a concealed permit holder (for over a decade), a lifetime NRA member, certified firearms instructor, and a firearm enthusiast. Make a Trail. Proper discarding of old, damaged, or dangerous rounds is just one more way for us to be good representatives of the shooting sports. These inexpensive tools effortlessly disassemble a cartridge. (such as promotion codes and cart reminders) from AMD at the number provided, However, even though its tempting, tossing any ammunition into the trash is incredibly dangerous. And while that's not impossible, it's also possible the other materials could have a toxic impact to your yard. Your opinion please. You may contact those sites directly with any questions, requests or updates. A registration and disposal fee is required based on the type and quantity of waste being disposed. The biggest risk is lead. You should never just pitch old ammo in the trash can. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Put the powder in a flower bed and the other components in the trash. I do not own a 12 gauge. 2. While the gunpowder can make excellent fertilizer, other components can be dangerous for the environment and may even pose a health risk. Most of the time, as long as it was stored correctly, it is actually safe to use old ammo. All Rights Reserved. If your firearm eligibility check is approved, when you go to pick up your firearm on (or after) the 10th day, the dealer will have the ability to add an ammunition transaction to the delivery of the firearm. Cracked Casing. Perhaps youve got unusable ammo laying around that you want to dispose of or recycle. There are also some other key signs that you need to watch out for if you want to avoid dangerous issues with old ammo. Four 20 GA shot shells in the pocket went through the wash. i have a 20ga bt with a rifled slug barrel, so i wont use them anyway. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Check here for propane tanks accepted at OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers. Bullet "Setback" down in the case. It's more important than ever. Gun store personnel are well-versed in handling ammunition and many of them will accept bad ammunition for safe disposal. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. 2. Another option that we recommend when you are looking to safely dispose of old ammo is to get ahold of your local shooting range. Even if the water or oil thoroughly penetrates the cartridge and manages to disable it, it may only be temporary. However, I recommend you only give ammo to someone knowledgeable about ammunition and firearms. Using a bullet puller I separate out the components. EverydayCarryConcealed.com also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, and other sites. Check here for information. One thing that you should never do is to bury old ammo. Getting rid of your old ammo is relatively easy, but it's important to do it correctly so it's not dangerous to others. Burying ammo can lead to problems in the water and soil. Whether they work or not, a collector might be willing to take them off your hands. However, storing your ammunition properly will extend the life of your cartridges and prevent scenarios that require your ammunition disposal. They may contract with a hazardous waste company or other licensed provider that's equipped to handle unique waste such as ammo. Several crates broke open - exposing the munitions. The process to dispose of brass shells starts by knowing the parts of the material: The projectile Packaging Black powder The groundwork Copious associations - comprising of the military, gun stores, and ammunition manufacturers - face the issue of how to handle undesirable or expired ammunition. Many local waste management services dont accept ammunition on a regular basis, so you may have to hold onto your unwanted rounds until a specific collection event. I'm Joe. First, a cartridge does not cease working because you decide you no longer want it. However, if you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable around ammunition, I do not recommend this method. Prepare With The Winter Survival Guide, Prepper Projects To Perfect Your Prepping, Join The Best Online Survival Communities For Prepping Support, The Best Survival eBooks To Prepare For The Next Crisis, There is corrosion on the brass or the ammos primers, It is difficult to load the ammo into the chamber of your firearm, https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/lodge/how-to-dispose-of-ammunition/, https://www.defensivecarry.com/threads/green-corrosion-on-casings.203848/, https://earth911.com/eco-tech/recycle-ammunition/, https://www.nrablog.com/articles/2016/3/how-do-you-get-rid-of-bad-ammunition/. Surprisingly, there were very few FTF's and the few that did fail, most worked when rotated in the cylinder for a second strike. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. An officer will pick up the ammunition or give some suggestions if it's a minimal amount of rounds. So, if you want to remove a gun from your home today, another option is to surrender it to your local police station. No but he can give it away. Additionally, trash can end up in a landfill and hazmat is bed for the environment. 3. Attempting to return a recent ammo purchase to the seller helps alert manufacturers to potential problems. SELL IT HERE!! Shotgun shells just cut the plastic wad with a knife, dump the powder in the trash and throw the other components in the trash. Bryan Villella is the Lead Firearms Instructor and Owner of Don't Be A Sitting Duck in Kissimmee, Florida. Evans Gunsmithing Shooters World. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. There were also a couple of boxes of .22's that were older yet (Western brand ammo, made before they became a subsidiary of Winchester). You may have inherited a firearm and ammunition from a loved one who has passed away or you might have won a bid at a blind auction. If they cant take your ammo, they may be able to recommend the best option in your area. They may accept waste from other communities, as well. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouths Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), Earth911 Podcast: Yield10s Oliver Peoples on Genetic Engineerings Role in Regenerative Agriculture for Biofuels, Earth911 Podcast: AeroFarms Marc Oshima on Growing the Vertical Farming Opportunity, 9 States With Rapid Growth in Community Solar. Dont call 911; call their local number and ask if theyll take ammunition. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Recycle your solar panels with a retailer or take to a OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. We educate and inform consumers, businesses and communities to inspire thought and facilitate earth-positive consumer decisions. Another thing that you should never do is to throw your old ammo away in a regular trash can. You must be at least . Appointments are on Saturdays following the residential HHW drop-off hours. Ammunition can be surprisingly resilient. Shooters have unearthed sealed boxes of 50 year-old ammo from surplus ammo cans and fired them with zero complications. TWW is classified as painted or chemically treated wood like fence posts and railroad ties require special handling. Aug 9, 2017. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. In part, that's because e-waste has such a high concentration of precious metals . First, youll need to get your hands on a kinetic puller. You can recycle brass shell casings by turning them over to a scrap metal facility and save some money for the next time you buy ammo. With this said, some of the other warning signs that old ammo has degraded include: So we have established that there are some signs that show that old ammo has become unfit for use. RELOADS must be sold as components. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. I reside in California. Many ranges will collect dud rounds (cartridges that dont fire when the trigger is pulled) and dispose of them properly. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Contact the station in advance and let them know you plan to turn over ammunition. Penalty is 16 months in prison and/or up to $10,000 fine. Or maybe you have some old hunting ammo that shows some signs of corrosion. Your email address will not be published. This article was co-authored by Bryan Villella and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. The Survival Journal is the premier survival and preparedness newsletter. We can take up to 25 items or small loads that will easily fit into the cargo area of a small SUV or trunk of a car. Medications and sharps should be handled carefully. The first gun I ever purchased was from Fowler when they were located in a little suite on Red Hill Ave next to a grocery store. There are multiple ways to dispose of your cartridges responsibly that protect the environment and prevent problems with law enforcement. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, How to Dispose of Both Used & Unused Cooking Oil, How to Trash, Donate, or Sell an Old Television, 10 Easy Options for Getting Rid of Old Cartridges and Casings, https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/servicesah/disposalunwantedfirearmsammunition, https://ocrecycleguide.com/RecycleGuide/4, https://www.littletongov.org/city-services/city-departments/police-department/programs-services/ammunition-disposal, https://www.co.washington.or.us/HHS/SWR/#!rc-cpage=95082, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAvLAsyTVC0&t=6s, https://cavearmor.com/recycle-spent-ammo/, https://wspmn.gov/270/Recycling-Rubbish#!rc-cpage=242466, https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/w-hw4-04.pdf, https://www.co.calumet.wi.us/DocumentCenter/View/6801/Ammunition-and-Explosives, https://www.cityofvancouver.us/publicworks/page/garbage-recycling?_escaped_fragment_=rc-cpage%3D14261&qt-resource_center=0#!rc-cpage=14118. The simplest way to explain it is that ammo can become weakened as it ages. Separate ammunition from firearms. You can reuse the projectile and the case, although you might need to clean them up a bit. I would like to safely dispose. There is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of waste per vehicle. Most manufacturers claim their ammunition should keep for ten years. This guide shows you a few ways to dispose of ammo safely. #9. Appointments can be made by calling 530-583-7800. I have taken old useless ammo in to be broken down and destroyed, but I always offer some type of compensation in good faith. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Metro's household hazardous waste facilities will accept ammunition under .50 caliber from households. Notify the Police Call the non-emergency number of the police to let them know you need to dispose of ammunition. The lead found in many bullets should not be stuck in the ground where it can leach into the local water supply. NO Explosives or ammunition (includes marine flares) Non-empty aerosols. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Make sure to call the local number for the police station to ask if they're accepting ammunition. In general, compressed gas cylinders are exempt from California regulation when they are empty. Recycle whatever you can and use it in the future. First is to call your local waste management service provider. Larger amounts must be tested and may qualify for fee exemptions. However, you can call your local waste management department to find out what to do with it. I'm a tactical guy that's a concealed carrier and been obsessed with firearms, gadgets, and self-defense since my teenage years. However, if you dont feel safe shooting old rounds, even if there are no signs of corrosion, dont do it. The casing is generally made from brass but could also be steel. Takes a little extra effort with .223, but it gets the job done. Additionally, these facilities process different types of hazardous materials. Hand loaders are pros when it comes to reusing ammo components. This is something that most gun ranges already do. This is mostly because there are so many variables that can degrade cartridge integrity, the most common being exposure to moisture, heat, and sunlight. A few years back my Grandfather passed and I was bequeathed his firearms and ammo (Mostly shotshells and .22 LR). California retailers can take mattresses for free when purchasing a new one. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Lastly, dont soak it in water or oil and then throw it away. This creates a real safety hazard and it is also not eco-friendly. Factory ammo is also made to very high standards and exacting specifications that will help to ensure that it maintains a shelf life that lasts for many years. However, these facilities often have periodic disposal times during which you can bring ammo to them. OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers do not accept ammunition, explosives, marine flares or fireworks. Whether its old, corroding ammunition, or rounds that wouldnt fire at the range, ammunition is one thing that needs to be disposed of carefully and properly. Local gun ranges will sometimes collect dud rounds or unused ammunition and dispose of them properly. 0 or 60 yr old ammo is still good as long as there is no corrosion on the primers or rust on the cases. If the bullet sits at a funny angle or the primer isnt correctly seated, or the crimp looks wrong, that isnt a cartridge you want to risk firing. One option that you might consider for getting rid of that old, unsafe ammo is to get ahold of your local police department. you consent to receive marketing text messages You also should not throw ammunition away in the trash. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. While this sounds effective in theory, there are some serious problems with this method. This leads to the question, How do I safely dispose of old ammo. Earth911 is a universal resource that helps you find your own shade of green. Home electronics, cell phones and some digital appliances can go to an OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. Some Nike stores in the US and Europe offer shoe recycling, so check your local store and see if they participate. CA (831) 454-2430 or (831) 454-3951. 1 Call your local police department. You can use the Earth911 Recycling Locator to find a collection point, or check your city/county website. Any unwanted ammunition or fireworks can be surrendered to the San Jose Police Department where they will be disposed of properly. To dispose of any unwanted firearms and/or ammunition, you may turn them in to the Police Department. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Dispose-of-Old-Ammo-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Dispose-of-Old-Ammo-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Dispose-of-Old-Ammo-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Dispose-of-Old-Ammo-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"