how to dispose of old ammunition in california

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. 20 years is nothing for ammo, unless its covered in corrosion! Use 911 only for emergencies!). While the gunpowder can make excellent fertilizer, other components can be dangerous for the environment and may even pose a health risk. Make sure to call the local number for the police station to ask if they're accepting ammunition. It makes great fertilizer. Seriously, as long as it was kept dry, it should still fire. The simplest way to explain it is that ammo can become weakened as it ages. Since I'm planning on selling off all my firearms, I will be left with a fair amount of ammunition in various calibers. 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. 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. 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. Disposal. Can You Shoot A New Gun Straight Out Of The Box. Thank you for the information. unabletomilk 5 yr. ago. Rinse used shell casings and bring them to a metal recycler. This is no surprise because the truth is that you can often use old ammo without any issue. Complete List of Recyclers. Therefore, inquire with staff about where you should drop off your ammunition. Age makes no difference. According to SAAMI, these sources can provide you the means to dispose of ammunition in compliance with local, state, and federal law. If a round doesnt look right, dont risk firing it. Aug 9, 2017. Whether a landfill or other type of facility, it's probably not equipped to handle ammunition as a waste product. Put medications into a sealable bag or disposable container with a lid. They work with local police agencies and ammunition recycling companies to pick up these old ammunition rounds. The first place to check is your local police station. More ideas make less waste! If you'd like to learn more about guns, check out our in-depth interview with Bryan Villella. The gunpowder inside the bullet is safe to bury. Depending on the area you live in, it may be a municipal operation or it could be a private company, or perhaps a private company that contracts with your local government. Most ammunition is fairly inexpensive, and there's no point in risking injury to shoot some ammo "just in case" it's still good. 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. The Fresno County Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility is located at: Google Map to HHW Facility. 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. Leftover cleaning products, pesticides, flammable or poisonous garden products can go to an OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouths Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)created a prototype of a device that can disassemble cartridges into their component parts for recycling. Below are 6 options to dispose of unwanted or unserviceable ammo. Need to get rid of it but not sure where it goes? One option that you might consider for getting rid of that old, unsafe ammo is to get ahold of your local police department. Put them in their original cardboard box. Yes and no. If you decide to go the police route, there are a couple things to keep in mind. 2. How To Find Ammo (& Reloading Supplies) During Shortage. In addition, your locality may have laws forbidding such practices. Ultimately, disposing or recycling ammunition isnt a big deal. 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 . wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Oxidation isnt the only reason to pitch ammunition. Copyright RecycleStuff.org 2020. This is a clear sign of deterioration that can make the ammo unsafe to use. I hope what I share with you helps. We have a for sell section so you might want to think about using calguns.There are plenty of folks here in California that will enjoy your guns. County . For a location near you, visit earth911.com. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Working power tools can be donated. We have compiled the five most effective ways to get rid of your ammunition. A cartridge is made up of a bullet, casing, gunpowder, and a primer. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. While this sounds effective in theory, there are some serious problems with this method. Usually, an officer will secure the ammo before they bring it in to make sure everyone is safe. Store in a cool, dry area that is locked or out of reach of children and pets. Since I'm planning on selling off all my firearms, I will be left with a fair amount of ammunition in various calibers. CLOSED NOW. Lead exposure has several adverse health effects, especially for children. Corrosion is an indication that moisture has contaminated the round. These products must be used carefully and disposed of properly. Another option that we recommend when you are looking to safely dispose of old ammo is to get ahold of your local shooting range. When that ammunition gets dumped into the back of a garbage truck and the compactor runs, it could cause the cartridge to fire, sending the bullet in a potentially dangerous direction. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Here are the safest options: The easiest way to get rid of unwanted ammo is to call the police or your local sheriffs office. As a firearms facility, gun stores handle a lot of ammunition. An easy option is to call your local police or sheriff's department via their non-emergency line and let them know you have ammunition you'd like to get rid of. Call A Deputy Sheriff For A Residential Pick-Up Call the Sheriff's Department non-emergency line: (858) 565-5200 Request for a deputy to confiscate the firearm (s) from a residence The reporting party shall leave the firearm (s) inside of the residence where it is currently located at the time of the call. If you recycle bullets yourself, use the gunpowder to fertilize your plants. The point that we are trying to reinforce here is that you can use that old ammo that you have had for years or have come into. Some people will even claim the powder can be used in fertilizer. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAvLAsyTVC0. Your email address will not be published. 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 buy a lot of old cartridges and I recycle the components that I can. If you dont reload, now might be a good time to consider it as a new hobby. Appointments can be made by calling 530-583-7800. The truth is, no one knows the exact shelf-life for ammunition. If youve got a bad set of ammunition, you should reach out to the seller directly. Your opinion please. 0 or 60 yr old ammo is still good as long as there is no corrosion on the primers or rust on the cases. 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. Businesses: Appointment required, businesses that generate less than 220 pounds or 27 gallons of hazardous waste per month can dispose of their waste here but are required to obtain a Hazardous Waste Generator Permit. 358 S Tustin St. Orange, CA 92866. Larger quantities or pickup truck-sized loads of household hazardous waste must be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility at the Ada County Landfill. However, if you encounter resistance at your local ammo supplier, you have other options for getting rid of defective ammo. Its okay to throw away brass casings from spent bullets after youve fired them. Disassemble And Reuse Depending on the state of your purported defective ammunition, some of the components may be recoverable. When it comes to ammunition that has been used, youre really just left with the brass casing. If you come across a cartridge with a bullet that sits too deep in the case, you probably dont want to shoot it. If you've lately come into possession of outdated ammunition, you've probably wondered if it can explode. Call (833) GIV-GUNS to speak to our firearms specialists about donating or selling your unwanted firearms. Sometimes ammo doesn't fire properly or there are instances of double feeds, jams, and other situations that leaves the range with live ammo to dispose of. In this case, someone at the station should point you in the right direction. If you are like me, you are probably wanting to know more about why it is the case that ammo can become unsafe to use and what the signs are that it is degrading. From May 12 to 30, residents can drop off their recycling, garbage and household items for free or discounted rates at both the new Central Surrey and North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres. If you are not planning on shooting or keeping any of your guns for protection or recreation, selling them would be a great idea. The metals can each be recycled, and the gunpowder can be reused as fertilizer. Appointment Required. This is also true for factory rounds. 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. Address. But what if it's reloaded with controlled substances?? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. However, if you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable around ammunition, I do not recommend this method. If you opt to dispose of ammunition this way, here are tips for the transfer: Another way to get rid of ammunition is by taking it to your local shooting range. Additionally, ammunition left in an environment that impacts performance of the primer or powder charge should be disposed of. Home electronics, cell phones and some digital appliances can go to an OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. If they do not offer this service, they can direct you where you can go in your local area to safely dispose of corroded ammo. including messages sent by autodialer. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The company says that it's less expensive to get gold through its process than via traditional mining. CA (831) 454-2430 or (831) 454-3951. For a list of items, check here. For example, some people say to bury old ammo in your backyard. However, if you have a ton, you may want to ask before stacking it up on their dud bin. He prioritizes safety and building comfortable environments for people to learn skills safely. I was just going to bury them out on the back pasture. We need to learn how to spot the signs of deterioration that could make old ammo unsafe. This is not safe. If they do, we have a few safe and legal options for ditching those rounds you just dont want to risk shooting. Additionally, some cartridges are beyond salvation and you should be able to identify the difference. Cracked Casing. Call the non-emergency number of the police to let them know you need to dispose of ammunition. I am a concealed permit holder (for over a decade), a lifetime NRA member, certified firearms instructor, and a firearm enthusiast. But as the . Although many stores indicate all sales are final no federal law prohibits ammunition return. They may have a way of shipping ammo back to the manufacturer for disposal or access to a service that disposes ammo. If these items are used, stored, or disposed of improperly, you, your pets, or the environment can be injured. A driver loss control enrolled and ammo truck into a ditch. If you're using a storage tray, pout the flares in a compartment separate from other items. Even if the water or oil thoroughly penetrates the cartridge and manages to disable it, it may only be temporary. You're right about storage conditions and shelf life. You can also dispose of ammo in a hazardous waste facility or at a hazardous waste collection event. Along with controlled substances. . 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 will prolong its shelf life even more. Contact the recycling information center at 503-234-3000 if you have . Surrender them to your local police station. This is something that most gun ranges already do. You might also ask about ammo disposal at indoor ranges. I reside in California. Bullet "Setback" down in the case. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 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. I've always disposed of mine downrange before I sell the last gun in that caliber :-). This is another case where it is a good idea to call ahead before showing up with a bunch of rounds of bad ammo. Ballistics experts have reported that ammo ranging from 20 to 50 years old will fire with no problem as long as it was stored the right way. The oil will get in and destroy the powder . 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. Even if the ammo is bad, there could be some serviceable pieces for you to use to reduce waste. I hope this article answered your question on whether or not old ammunition can explode and how to dispose of old ammo. Then it could be buried (if city/county ordinance did not prevent) , never to be dealt with again. We will routinely monitor external sites linked from our pages. No matter how harmless you think you look, you never want to take the chance that someone misunderstands your purpose for being there with a weapon. Copyright 2022 Ammunition Depot, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Unleashing the Firepower of John Wick 4: The Top Featured Guns and Ammo, Florida Becomes the 26th State to Adopt Constitutional Carry, Gear Review: Rattlesnake Tactical Medium Range Bag, How to Transfer Ownership of a Gun: State by State, Best of the Best, September 2022 Gun Giveaway (CONTEST ENDED). Stockpiling old ammo that is damaged and corroded is simply not something that you want to do. But it's on a location-by-location basis, so contact your local station . They might offer to help you safely dispose of old ammo. So, if you want to remove a gun from your home today, another option is to surrender it to your local police station. Knowing what you have and what to do with those firearms is important. Message frequency varies. But why? Ammunition Rifle & Pistol Ranges Gun Safety & Marksmanship Instruction. 1. Also there is no law that says someone can also just give him money out of the kindness of their heart. 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 can use the Earth911 Recycling Locator to find a collection point, or check your city/county website. I want to reregister it in California so that I can conceal carry this pistol( I am retired from lapd with a ccw. Drop off ammo to a hazardous waste facility or event. Those I set aside for their collected value. There are also hazardous waste centers that take bad ammo for safe disposal. A supply or quantity of bullets and shells used for ammunition in guns. No but he can give it away. MS. I've fired 1939 ammo and it shoots as well, if not better than the the new lawerized stuff. While many wont accept ammunition on a regular basis, they may accept it at specific collection events during the year. Many police departments collect old or unused ammunition. Ammunition projectiles, propellant, and primers . Instead, people interested in surrendering their weapons are asked to call the OPP non-emergency. Preferably lock your firearm (s) in a secure container. Never bury ammo because the metal is hazardous. How To Concealed Carry For The Most States. Business Hazardous Wastes: Pay for cost of disposal (Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG). Call (877) 235-3005 toll-free, for appointment and free cost estimate. Safe and responsible ammo disposal is a big part of this. Find a Location to Recycle or Dispose of Safely. Some Nike stores in the US and Europe offer shoe recycling, so check your local store and see if they participate. Separate ammunition from firearms. However, storing your ammunition properly will extend the life of your cartridges and prevent scenarios that require your ammunition disposal. Generally, however, these are actually reused to manufacture new ammunition. 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. As gun owners, we want to be sure we act responsibly, especially when it comes to disposing of our unwanted ammunition. Jeese. some people here have no clue as to the facts.The reloads are the only thing that are illegal and unsafe to sell. While old cartridges might not seem very interesting to you, a collector may consider them the find of a lifetime. Hand loaders are pros when it comes to reusing ammo components. Old, degraded, compromised ammo must be disposed of safely so that it can not cause any safety issues. References. I have taken old useless ammo in to be broken down and destroyed, but I always offer some type of compensation in good faith. Recology San Bruno (San Bruno Transfer Station)>, San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Half Moon Bay Substation>. 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. Loaded ammo only deteriorates when exposed to moisture. I've got German 8mm from 1939. While this is certainly possible, theres no guarantee. 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. With these points made, it is worth looking further into this important topic. This leads to the question, How do I safely dispose of old ammo. Hazardous waste centers do not generally accept bad ammo as a regular thing, but many of them do offer occasional drop-off services where they will collect and dispose of the ammo for you in a safe manner. However, even though its tempting, tossing any ammunition into the trash is incredibly dangerous. Actual total FTF's were less than 1%. The caveat to this long shelf life is the same as it is with all things related to firearms: It's better to be safe than sorry. To be safe, never use a tool that's not intended for bullets to try this. There are also some other key signs that you need to watch out for if you want to avoid dangerous issues with old ammo. However, if you dont feel safe shooting old rounds, even if there are no signs of corrosion, dont do it. I would like to safely dispose. button batteries, nickel-cadmium) For information on proper disposal of hazardous items not accepted at the HHW Facilities, please contact County of Santa Cruz Environmental Health Services at 454-2022. . You need to call ahead if you plan on using this option. 1. Recycle Stuff has the solutions to your recycling needs. 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. Check here for information. The casing is generally made from brass but could also be steel. (Make sure you dial the police station directly. Recycle Your Brass Shell Casings. Usually, only those in close proximity to the cartridge when it detonates are at risk of injury. Ammunition/explosives, PCBs, medical waste (other than sharps and medications), electronic waste and . The more we all know, the better organized and stronger the shooting and hunting community will be. There are multiple ways to dispose of your cartridges responsibly that protect the environment and prevent problems with law enforcement. Export it to a country that allows it. 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 a lot of reasons why you might find yourself in the possession of old ammunition. Shooting it is the best way of disposal! We've got several options for disposing your cartridges, whether they're corroded, a dud, or just no longer useful to you. There is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of waste per vehicle. Check here for propane tanks accepted at OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers. It is not dynamite, Which has no metal case. With our help, you'll be able to quickly get rid of your unwanted ammo so you can stop worrying about it. TWW is classified as painted or chemically treated wood like fence posts and railroad ties require special handling. Contact resources directly to confirm availability. Since I'm planning on selling off all my firearms. Usually, I can re-use the case even if the powder or other parts of the cartridge are compromised. Make a Trail. It's very informative and I will be following your advice. If they dont collect it there, make sure you check their collection events. 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. I have been told that may not be possible. They may accept waste from other communities, as well. They should be able to tell you where you can drop it off, either with them or someplace else, or even send an officer to pick it up from you, according to the NRA. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Most will have a special drop-off location or pick-up date for hazardous waste. Thanks for stopping in. Go to the beach, build a big bonfire.. for every box factory you sell give 1 box reloaded for free. First, don't bury ammunition as a way to dispose of it. Treated Wood Waste or TWW, is no longer accepted at OC Landfills. However, I recommend you only give ammo to someone knowledgeable about ammunition and firearms. 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.