How to Dispose of Bullets

Table of Contents:

• Understanding Bullets
• Preparing Bullets for Disposal
• Where and How to Dispose of Bullets
• How Berry’s Bullets Can Help You Dispose of Your Bullets Properly

Ever wonder where those unwanted bullets go after they’ve outlived their usefulness? If you’ve found yourself with an old box of unwanted bullets, you might be unsure about how to dispose of them. The incorrect disposal of bullets can cause safety hazards and might even infringe the law, and they definitely don’t belong in your household trash or water supply. 

This article aims to guide individuals on the legal and safe disposal of bullets. While it might seem tempting to toss these old bullets into the trash, it isn’t responsible or environmentally friendly. Instead, we are here to provide direct, understandable, and thorough guidance on bullet disposal, a process that is not commonly talked about or well-known.

The Short Answer:

1. Disassemble any dud rounds or bad ammo using a kinetic puller,
2. Safely package them
3. Take them to local law enforcement agencies, hazardous waste facilities, or gun ranges for appropriate disposal.

Understanding Bullets

Before we get into the disposal, it’s essential to understand accurately what a bullet is.

Specifically, a bullet is the projectile that is expelled from the barrel of a firearm when it is fired. It is not synonymous with ammunition but is a crucial part of it. Recognizing this is important as it will help avoid confusion when we discuss bullet disposal.

Understanding the Components of Ammunition 

Ammunition refers to the entire package that’s necessary to fire from a gun. It consists of several distinct components:

1. Bullet: The projectile that is propelled when the firearm is discharged.
2. Cartridge Casing: The container that houses all the different parts. 
3. Gunpowder: This provides the force needed to propel the bullet.
4. Primer: It ignites the gunpowder when struck by the firearm’s hammer.
5. Wad: This is used to separate the powder and the bullet in certain types of ammunition.

Bullets Vs. Live Ammunition

A bullet is the projectile that is expelled from the barrel of a firearm when it is fired. It is not synonymous with ammunition but is a crucial part of it. Recognizing this is important as it will help avoid confusion when we discuss bullet disposal.

The term ‘live ammunition’ refers to a ready-to-fire unit containing the bullet, cartridge casing, primer, and gunpowder. In contrast, bullets – particularly those deemed unwanted or non-fireable – are often categorized as hazardous waste due to their specific disposal needs.

Preparing Bullets for Disposal

Disassembling Live Ammunition

Now that we understand what a bullet is, let’s focus on the correct ways to prepare them for disposal. For bullets that are a part of unusable ammunition or dud rounds (still technically live ammo), they first need to be disassembled. 

To do this, you’ll need a device known as a kinetic bullet puller. This tool uses inertia to remove the bullet from the rest of the cartridge. It’s not only efficient but also keeps the powder and bullet intact. Remember, while disassembling, ensure to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.

Discarding Gunpowder

Once the bullets are separated from the casings, the next step is to properly dispose of the gunpowder. Gunpowder should never be thrown in the trash because it poses a significant fire hazard. For small amounts of gunpowder, it’s generally safe to spread it thinly over a wide area of soil. Gunpowder contains nitrogen, which can act as a fertilizer in very small quantities, however, avoid doing this frequently or in large amounts, as it could harm the environment or plants. Water the area thoroughly afterward to help it break down. For larger quantities of gunpowder, it’s safer to contact your local hazardous waste disposal facility, shooting range, gun store, or the sheriff’s office to find an appropriate drop-off location.

Handling Brass Casings

What about the brass casings left behind after disassembling? They don’t have to go to waste! Brass casings can be recycled as scrap metal. As brass is valuable, some scrap metal buyers will even pay you for them. You can also recycle them for your own use in future ammunition with the help of a vibratory brass cleaning tumbler.

Preparing for Drop-off

Once the components are separated and dealt with, package the bullets separately in a sturdy container. Use a rigid box that can safely hold the weight of the bullets without breaking. Remember, safety is paramount in this process, so take your time and handle the bullets cautiously.

Where and How to Dispose of Bullets

Once your old bullets are ready for disposal, you need to find an appropriate place to carry out this process. The options are more diverse than you might think:

Local Police Departments

Your local police department is often best equipped to handle bullet disposal. You might be surprised, but many police departments have programs in place to receive unwanted bullets from the public. Simply call your local police station’s non-emergency number to find out if they accept bullets and how to deliver them. 

Gun Ranges

Some local gun ranges will also accept your unwanted bullets. Again, it’s always best to call ahead to check their policy. When you drop off your bullets, make sure they are securely packaged and labeled.

Hazardous Waste Facility

Bullets are typically made of lead, which is considered hazardous waste. A lot of communities have hazardous waste facilities that may accept your unwanted bullets. Check your local guidelines or contact the facility to find out their policy. 

How Berry’s Bullets Can Help You Dispose of Your Bullets Properly

At Berry’s Bullets, we understand the importance of correct bullet disposal and strive to help our customers navigate this process with ease. Our role in the industry allows us to empower our customers with the essential knowledge of bullet disposal and to provide useful equipment for the task at hand.

If you’re struggling to disassemble old or unwanted bullets, we recommend checking out our Bullet Puller Tool. This tool allows you to safely and efficiently disassemble bullets, making them easier to handle and prepare for correct disposal. And while you’re at it, be sure to explore our selection of superior plated bullets which have been trusted by Americans for over 60 years.

Take control of your bullet disposal and reload with confidence when you choose Berry’s Bullets!