how to dispose of old ammunition in california

The next few guns. Link Disclaimer: Information and web links that take the user away from County sponsored web pages to external web sites or non-San Jose State University (SJSU) websites, including pages returned from SJSU or County Web search engines are provided as a courtesy. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. Shell casings may be reused to make more bullets, or the metal could be melted down and used for something else. I buy a lot of old cartridges and I recycle the components that I can. The quickest and easiest way to get rid of the firearm or ammunition is simply to call the non-emergency police dispatch number (703-691-2131) and request an officer respond to your home. Turn over the ammo to a gun store that accepts it. Usually defects or structural compromises of a cartridge render it unserviceable. Recycling Dud (unable to fire) ammunition is usually a prime target for recycling. Oftentimes the hazmat offices are only open on select days. For a list of items, check here. you consent to receive marketing text messages Try posting your ammo on a local buy-sell-trade group. 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/. 7 Smart Ways To Dispose of Old Shotgun Shells 1. I have taken old useless ammo in to be broken down and destroyed, but I always offer some type of compensation in good faith. The idea is to ruin the powder and primer, supposedly rendering the cartridge harmless. It's one of the main tasks these businesses deal with regularly. You never want to gamble with your own safety. If the casing on older ammunition has deteriorated, it can become volatile. However, if you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable around ammunition, I do not recommend this method. The officer will ensure the gun is unloaded and rendered safe before taking possession of it . This article has been viewed 11,234 times. They are not endorsed by SJSU, San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF), the County of San Mateo, or the County of Santa Clara. Notify the Police. (Summary) You cannot dispose of a firearm if you know or reasonably should know that a child or someone not legally eligible to be in possession (such as a felon), is likely to gain access to the firearm. If you are not planning on shooting or keeping any of your guns for protection or recreation, selling them would be a great idea. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Where do you dispose of it legally? While its not illegal to throw away bullets in most areas, you still shouldnt do it because its so dangerous. Many police departments collect old or unused ammunition. These torch cuts are acceptable alternatives to shredding. While the gunpowder can be used in fertilizer, the rest of a cartridge is not good for the environment. If you have questions about specific materials, please contact us or call 208-608-7136. Below are 6 options to dispose of unwanted or unserviceable ammo. No but he can give it away. This guide shows you a few ways to dispose of ammo safely. The good news is that ammunition has a very long shelf life most manufacturers list their products as having around a 10-year lifespan. NO Compressed . Growing up the son of a Marine, I was raised to be prepared and adaptable to overcome life's challenges. They will often be willing to send an officer to your location to pick it up. Please let me know if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember something in the law regarding manufacturing reloaded ammo "with the. When that happens, you can recycle your old shoesthe textile components of your old footwear can be used to make something else, even a new pair of sneakers in some cases. Export it to a country that allows it. It may only take a few days for the powder and primer to dry out before the cartridge is good as new and just as dangerous. Website Designed & Maintained by Innovare Technologies. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. More ideas make less waste! Many people think that just because ammunition is "old" that it isn't any good - it depends on how it was stored! Find a disposal location so problem items can be processed safely. They'll likely want to make a record of the transaction to ensure a suitable paper trail showing you properly disposed of the ammunition. Bullet "Setback" down in the case. There are also some other key signs that you need to watch out for if you want to avoid dangerous issues with old ammo. Don't store road flares in a way that the striker ends and ignition buttons face each other. EverydayCarryConcealed.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Whether it's old, damaged, or ammo you no longer trust for another reason, you may find yourself in need of a way to dispose of it. The brass casing is recyclable, so after a round has been fired at the range, this portion can be recycled. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This creates a real safety hazard and it is also not eco-friendly. If you come across a cartridge with a bullet that sits too deep in the case, you probably dont want to shoot it. The Survival Journal is the premier survival and preparedness newsletter. What about ammo that has corrosion on the case and where it is in the crease between the bullet and the casing? I've always disposed of mine downrange before I sell the last gun in that caliber :-). Any unwanted ammunition or fireworks can be surrendered to the San Jose Police Department where they will be disposed of properly. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. That might have been acceptable with old-time "black powder," a mixture of charcoal, sulphur and potassium nitrate, but smokeless powders contain a laundry list of solvents, unsavory chemicals and compounds that should not go into the environment. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Good article. Soil amounts less than 5 cubic yards can go to a landfill. If you plan to dispose of ammunition this way, ensure the facility is open and accepts ammunition. Make sure you call ahead first. Copyright Ammotogo.com 2023 All Rights Reserved. (In a safe, bedroom, garage, etc.) Find a Location to Recycle or Dispose of Safely. Recommendations for EPA Regional Offices on Preliminary Assessments and Site Inspections for the Department of Defense Military Munitions Response Program (OSWER Directive 9200.3-60) - April 5, 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAvLAsyTVC0. First, a cartridge does not cease working because you decide you no longer want it. A supply or quantity of bullets and shells used for ammunition in guns. When it comes to hand loaded rounds, you can usually tell when something is off. But how do you dispose of old ammo safely? Most private gun clubs have boxes of obsolete ammo that they keep just for folks to poke through and shoot up. Bryan has nine years of professional experience and is an NRA and Florida State Certified K Instructor. If it is a small agency, they may not be equipped for ammo disposal. An officer will pick up the ammunition or give some suggestions if it's a minimal amount of rounds. Therefore, inquire with staff about where you should drop off your ammunition. The lead found in many bullets should not be stuck in the ground where it can leach into the local water supply. CLOSED NOW. Call (833) GIV-GUNS to speak to our firearms specialists about donating or selling your unwanted firearms. If you find yourself in possession of unwanted firearms, you can surrender it to the Sheriff's office by following the steps below. However, in many instances, as long as the ammunition isn't exposed to high heat or excessive moisture, it could last for years or even decades past the published expiration date. According to SAAMI, these sources can provide you the means to dispose of ammunition in compliance with local, state, and federal law. He leads certified training courses necessary to get licensed through the state to work in the private security field. I inherited 2 cases of 12 gage and 2 small shelf boxes of same- Winchester . Only use a little at one time, and then using your fuse, light up the powder. Put the powder in a flower bed and the other components in the trash. Add water to dissolve the medication then mix with something like dirt, cat litter, or coffee grounds. Learn More! CA (831) 454-2430 or (831) 454-3951. If it was old ammo (that really, really needed to be destroyed due to years past its shelf life), it could be placed into a bucket filled with water and let it sit for a month, two months or longer. Alternatively, drill a couple holes in the side of the cases and dump the intact cartirdges in a bucket of old motor oil for a couple days. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The Fresno County Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility is located at: Google Map to HHW Facility. If a round is cracked or dented, it isnt safe to shoot. Put them in their original cardboard box. 3. Suffice it to say, you should NOT dispose of ammunition by burying it. 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. If they dont collect it there, make sure you check their collection events. 20 years is nothing for ammo, unless its covered in corrosion! Above are acceptable options for recycling or disposing of ammo. Most garbage trucks have a compactor, which could set off ammunition dumped in with the other household garbage and potentially harm equipment or people nearby. Other trash can act as a firing pin in the event a trash compactor or other device is used. While old cartridges might not seem very interesting to you, a collector may consider them the find of a lifetime. This recommendation is pretty conservative when it comes to ammo, but companies want to limit liability and keep customers safe. It is not a good idea to just show up with your old ammo, however. Some alarms and detectors contain radioactive materials requiring proper disposal. Through these programmes, the materials from old . OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers can accept road flares.OPTIONS:Call your local police station or sheriff department for ammunition or gun take back days. This can make it more susceptible to backfiring if you try to use it. While this may not work if you have a large number of corroded rounds, if you just have a few, they may be willing to accept them. I am a concealed permit holder (for over a decade), a lifetime NRA member, certified firearms instructor, and a firearm enthusiast. 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. Once taken apart, the cartridge is no longer dangerous. Since this ammo was stored in a cool, dark environment during those 50 odd years, it serves to illustrate that conditions were optimal and a prime factor in the ammo longevity. We educate and inform consumers, businesses and communities to inspire thought and facilitate earth-positive consumer decisions. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Brass casings can be reused a number of times. Another option is your local gun store. In this case, someone at the station should point you in the right direction. Dont just show up with your misfit rounds, however. It is best to keep ammo in an airtight container when possible. You must be at least . Stockpiling old ammo that is damaged and corroded is simply not something that you want to do. There are a few suggestions weve seen or heard that should be clarified. If there's any question about whether or not your ammunition is still good, err on the side of caution. Road flares may be disposed of as hazardous waste. This is another case where it is a good idea to call ahead before showing up with a bunch of rounds of bad ammo. Clean-up Fresno County. However, I think it would also be prudent to discuss the wrong way to decommission cartridges. As a dealer, I encourage customers to bring in anything that they feel they need to get rid of, not so that I can get a great deal from someone that just doesn't know what they have, but to offer free advice to a customer in need. We need to learn how to spot the signs of deterioration that could make old ammo unsafe. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. There are also hazardous waste centers that take bad ammo for safe disposal. If you have old, compromised, or otherwise unusable ammo you need to get rid of, it's best to stick to the previously mentioned methods of safe ammo disposal. The lead found in most bullets can leach into the surrounding soil and into the local water supply. But as the . Loaded ammo only deteriorates when exposed to moisture. Getting rid of your old ammo is relatively easy, but it's important to do it correctly so it's not dangerous to others. We have a section on this forum for selling ammunition. Contacting your local law enforcement office or fire department is another way to dispose of unwanted ammunition. I would like to safely dispose. Since ranges likely already have a process for this, it doesn't hurt to ask if they accept ammo from customers for disposal. Usually, only those in close proximity to the cartridge when it detonates are at risk of injury. Jeese. some people here have no clue as to the facts.The reloads are the only thing that are illegal and unsafe to sell. Treated Wood Waste or TWW, is no longer accepted at OC Landfills. You might also ask about ammo disposal at indoor ranges. You can bring spent brass shell casings as scrap metal to a metals recycler like GLE Scrap Metal. Youve got options when it comes to getting rid of old or unwanted ammo. I'm a tactical guy that's a concealed carrier and been obsessed with firearms, gadgets, and self-defense since my teenage years. If you dont reload, now might be a good time to consider it as a new hobby. Actual total FTF's were less than 1%. Simply provide the ammunition to the front desk or range safety officer for disposal. Before we jump to methods of recycling, lets touch on the components that make up a piece of ammunition, also known as a cartridge. Locals told The New Indian Express newspaper that earlier, when huts in the area were made of bamboo and grass, the elephant caused little damage when he came foraging for food. To register for an appointment call the City's hazardous waste contractor (Clean Harbors) at (800) 433-5060 or send an email request to VSQG@cleanharbors.com . Several crates broke open - exposing the munitions. Since the gun range already knows what to do with dangerous or discarded ammo, you can probably leave yours with them. One thing that you should never do is to bury old ammo. OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers do not accept ammunition, explosives, marine flares or fireworks. Most shooting ranges will have containers for bad rounds of ammunition. The primary danger associated with ammunition is accidental discharge. Businesses may also dispose of hazardous materials on the third Friday of each month for a fee and with appointments. 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. Some stations will accept ammunition in small amounts. Since firearms last more than a lifetime, families often have small and large collections of guns in their home. You need to call ahead if you plan on using this option. Manufactured Round with No Primer. (707) 259-8608 or 1-800-984-9661 Friday & Saturday 9am - 4pm Households: No appointment required, drop-off free of charge. You can also schedule a household hazardous waste pickup using the Folsom Waste Collection App. As gun owners, we want to be sure we act responsibly, especially when it comes to disposing of our unwanted ammunition. Throwing ammunition in the trash is dangerous and illegal. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro. Hazardous materials dumped on the ground or into the gutter can contaminate soil and the underground water supply. Even shipping it (there are some regulations to know about this though) is legal. Must remove at least inch of metal per cut Must be made at angles and completely sever the receiver in at least 3 critical locations (specified by model) Acceptable method of destruction is to completely melt (smelt), shred or crush the firearm receiver. Can You Shoot A New Gun Straight Out Of The Box. Thank you Bob. If you have a large amount of damaged ammo, they might even send someone out to pick it up. If you reside within the City of San Diego, your local fire station will accept personal use amounts of unaltered ammunition (no larger than 50 caliber), reloading supplies, and fireworks for disposal. Contact the recycling information center at 503-234-3000 if you have . If your ammunition has any age to it, and especially if it is still in its original packaging, it may have some historical significance. Copyright 2023 Earth Media Partners. Most local waste management facilities don't accept ammunition. Required fields are marked *. (Make sure you dial the police station directly. Message frequency varies. This is another great option for safely and responsibly getting rid of that old ammo that is no longer safe for use. If a round doesnt look right, dont risk firing it. The most feasible ways to disposing of unwanted ammunition is to contact the police or your local sheriff's office. Shooting it is the best way of disposal! TWW is classified as painted or chemically treated wood like fence posts and railroad ties require special handling. If the ammunition is unused, its possible to recycle it, but the ability to do so isnt widely available. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Other advice you might hear consists of soaking ammo in water or oil to render the powder harmless so you can toss it in the trash. The lead found in many bullets should not be stuck in the ground where it can leach into the local water supply. They may have a way of shipping ammo back to the manufacturer for disposal or access to a service that disposes ammo. What you really need to keep an eye out for if you are planning to use old ammo that you have come into is green corrosion. There are a lot of reasons why you might find yourself in the possession of old ammunition. The right amount of force applied in the correct location can cause a round to discharge. Another thing that you should never do is to throw your old ammo away in a regular trash can. Most dumps and landfills also have a building or section of the facility dedicated to hazardous materials. This is a clear sign of deterioration that can make the ammo unsafe to use. EverydayCarryConcealed.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Another option that we recommend when you are looking to safely dispose of old ammo is to get ahold of your local shooting range. unabletomilk 5 yr. ago. According to takethegun.com the window for returning ammo to the seller varies between 0 and 60 days. Whether a landfill or other type of facility, it's probably not equipped to handle ammunition as a waste product. For example, some people say to bury old ammo in your backyard. You might want to check some of the auctions and see what they are selling for. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. To dispose of any unwanted firearms and/or ammunition, you may turn them in to the Police Department. I've fired 1939 ammo and it shoots as well, if not better than the the new lawerized stuff. I hope this article answered your question on whether or not old ammunition can explode and how to dispose of old ammo. Shotgun shells just cut the plastic wad with a knife, dump the powder in the trash and throw the other components in the trash. We send you a box If you are selling or donating, we include a shipping label and instructions on how to pack your unwanted firearm. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. They will let you know how to proceed. The idea is to ruin the powder and primer, supposedly rendering the cartridge harmless. You also should not throw ammunition away in the trash. However, if you have a ton, you may want to ask before stacking it up on their dud bin. Let the dispatchers know you have firearms to bring in for destruction. Thank you-. Since I'm planning on selling off all my firearms. Shooters have unearthed sealed boxes of 50 year-old ammo from surplus ammo cans and fired them with zero complications. Although fire will not propel the bullet at dangerous velocities, small components including the primer and shards of the case may be expelled. Instead, people interested in surrendering their weapons are asked to call the OPP non-emergency. I have been reloading in excess of 50 years now and have never found a satisfactory way to dispose of live primers. Of course there's always liability problems. If your local police station wont accept the ammunition, the next place to check is your city or county hazardous waste drop-off location. Some people assume if they soak old ammunition in water or oil, this will ruin the gunpowder and it will no longer ignite if the primer is struck. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Dispose-of-Old-Ammo-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Dispose-of-Old-Ammo-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Dispose-of-Old-Ammo-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Dispose-of-Old-Ammo-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"