How to Dispose of Ammunition
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over how to dispose of
ammunition today. We are going to touch on various things one can do if they wish to dispose of faulty or unwanted ammunition. Our goal here today is to arm you with knowledge of multiple ammunition disposal ideas which will allow one to act with confidence should the need arise. Without further ado, let’s cover some ways that people can safely and efficiently dispose of ammunition.
Why Would Someone Want to Get Rid of Ammo?
Before getting into the “how,” we should explore why someone would want to get rid of
ammo in the first place. If
ammunition is stored improperly, it can be exposed to the elements and exhibit signs of damage or decay. Beyond damage, some ammunition may simply be out of spec or loaded improperly, prompting desires to rid oneself of defective ammo. Of course, some may simply come into possession of ammunition via inheritance or other means which they simply wish to dispose of. The person in possession of ammunition in this case could lack a suitable firearm in the caliber or gauge they acquired or simply not own guns in the first place. All in all, there are many reasons why one may wish to dispose of ammunition.
How Can Ammo Be Damaged or Go Bad?
Rust and corrosion can be particularly common with improperly stored
ammo. These factors can lead to
ammunition becoming unsafe to shoot depending on the severity of the damage or decay. Put plainly, anything which compromises the integrity of a cartridge can potentially damage firearms or even harm shooters in extreme cases. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and avoid shooting ammunition if you have any concerns as to its safety. To minimize the chance for damage or decay, one should ensure ammunition is stored properly. One should ensure that their ammunition is stored in a dry place and loadings cannot be physically damaged by other items.
Purchase Ammo
What if Factory Ammo is Defective?
In many cases, most
ammunition manufacturers will guarantee the status of their offering for a number of years. This range can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer or differ from caliber to caliber. One can find specific information regarding this range on either ammunition packaging or on the manufacturer’s website. For example, Federal ammunition warrants its loadings from things such as defects in workmanship or materials for one year from the original date of purchase. If one has factory ammunition which exhibits defects, one can contact the manufacturer to make things right.
Consider Donating the Ammo
If the
ammunition is found to be in serviceable and safe condition, one can consider donating the ammunition. One can donate the ammunition to another shooter or to a gun range or gun club. Of course, one may also have the option to sell ammunition to another shooter if they wish to receive compensation. Of course, one should ensure that private ammunition sales are legal in their state as there are some states, like California, which restrict this practice. By donating ammunition, one can ensure that serviceable ammunition goes to good use. Consider giving the ammunition to a new shooter or perhaps one who just purchased a new firearm to aid them in their shooting journey. If one cannot find a suitable recipient, one can take the
ammo to a local shop or club to see if they have a use for the ammo or know of a worthy recipient. Of course, one will want to ensure that the gun club, range, or shop is willing and able to take on donations of ammunition prior to taking action.
Reach out to Local Authorities
Another means to dispose of
ammunition is to contact one’s local authorities. This is to say that one could reach out to their local sheriff’s office or police department to organize disposal of
ammo. Of course, it should be recognized that authorities across different localities, states, and regions may have different policies and procedures for this practice. It is advisable to call one’s local authority and inquire to the specificities of their policy for ammo disposal prior to taking any action. One should also avoid showing up to a police station or sheriff’s office unannounced with a large quantity of ammunition or firearms.
What About Unsafe Ammo?
One can effectively dispose of unsafe
ammunition via multiple methods. In some cases, waste disposal centers will accept various forms of hazardous waste. This category can cover ammunition in some cases. As with law enforcement agencies, one can expect different centers to have different policies and practices regarding ammunition disposal. One should contact their local disposal centers to inquire about the specificities regarding proper disposal practices at their facility.
Additionally, one can consider taking a recycling approach to unsafe ammunition. This is to say that one can recycle some of the usable components from damaged or compromised ammunition. In some cases, this can be the projectiles, powder, and even casings of some compromised loadings. This action can be taken by individuals who are skilled at reloading and have the proper tools on hand. Additionally, one can inquire with ranges or gun shops/gun clubs to see if they could recycle these components as well.
Of course, one can also contact their local authorities as mentioned above to dispose of potentially unsafe ammunition. When contacting your local sheriff’s office or police department about a matter such as this, one should be very clear and direct regarding the potential condition of their ammunition. With a clear understanding of the situation, a law enforcement agency can aid in the proper disposal of ammunition whether it is compromised or not.
Purchase Ammo
How Not to Dispose of Ammunition
Of course, one should not simply shoot unsafe or compromised
ammunition. Doing so can result in damage or harm and is generally ill advised. One should also not just throw away ammunition along with regular trash and waste. Depending on where this ammunition is dumped, it can potentially get into the wrong hands. Additionally, there is a potential for ammunition to go off if it is subjected to waste management practices. For example, trash compactors in garbage trucks or at disposal facilities can potentially make ammunition fire. One also should avoid burying ammunition they wish to dispose of as lead can potentially leach into water supplies. For best disposal practices, one should consider the advice in the prior sections.
Conclusion
All in all, it is important for shooters and people in general to understand their options when it comes to disposing of
ammunition. As mentioned above, one can wish to dispose of ammunition for a variety of reasons. Regardless of whether you are wanting to rid yourself of faulty
ammo or simply have no use for a loading, we hope that this has been a helpful blog post regarding this subject. We here at True Shot Ammo carry a wide range of
ammo for sale in our vast catalog. This inventory spans popular calibers and gauges such as
9mm,
.223,
12 gauge, and
.22 LR. Whether you want to
buy bulk ammo or wish to
purchase ammo in individual box form, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
