Dispose Bullets Permit For Free

Generally, yes. If factory centerfire cartridges are stored in a dry, cool place with low humidity, preferably in an airtight container, they can have an amazingly long shelf life. Many ballistics experts who have shot tens of thousands of rounds over the years report shooting 20- to 50-year-old ammo with no problems.

Many police departments collect old or unused ammunition. Typically, they'll send an officer to your home to collect the bullets. However, they may allow you to drop the ammo off at the police department if you follow certain procedures. Don't bring any ammo into a police department unless they ask you to do so.

Many ballistics experts who have shot tens of thousands of rounds over the years report shooting 20- to 50-year-old ammo with no problems. Factory ammunition is manufactured using premium components and exacting specifications that extend the shelf life of cartridges. I do not advise shooting old reloads.

While the gunpowder can be used in fertilizer, the rest of a cartridge is not good for the environment. The lead found in many bullets should not be stuck in the ground where it can leach into the local water supply. You also should not throw ammunition away in the trash. This is not safe.

Oregon's Metro government says its household hazardous waste facilities will accept ammunition under . 50 caliber. Call the recycling information center at 503-234-3000. ?Bring ammunition in a secondary container, such as a bucket,? Metro says.

Call your local police station or sheriff department for ammunition or gun ?take back? days. Some stations will accept ammunition in small amounts. Local gun ranges will sometimes collect dud rounds or unused ammunition and dispose of them properly.

Contact a Hazardous Waste Service Contact your local hazardous waste service and seek guidance on what to do. You will need a waste cleanup company to handle large amounts of ammo. For smaller collections, they may have a drop-off location where you can safely discard your explosive waste.

A barrel will produce individual markings in addition to a bullet's land and groove impressions as the bullet passes through, and it is these unique markings that an examiner evaluates to determine whether a given bullet was fired from a particular firearm.

Local gun ranges will accept unwanted ammunition, and even sometimes accepts dud rounds so as to dispose of them safely and effectively. Police stations will also sometimes accept small amounts of ammunition. Make sure to call the local number for the police station to ask if they're accepting ammunition.

If your local police station won't accept the ammunition, the next place to check is your city or county hazardous waste drop-off location. You can use the Earth911 Recycling Locator to find a collection point, or check your city/county website.