For those looking to recycle their scrap brass shells, there is no need to worry about the safety of doing so. With the right know-how and resources, it is possible to find a responsible option that ensures your brass shells are recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. Read on to learn more about where to take your scrap brass shells to be safely recycled.
Understanding Brass Shell Casings
Brass shell casings are the remnants of fired bullets. They are typically made from a combination of copper and zinc, which has been formed into a hollow cylinder that houses the bullet during its launch.
Once the firing is complete and the bullet has left the casing, it becomes a piece of scrap metal that can be recycled.
What Metal Are Bullet Casings Made Of?
Here are the major metals used for shell casings [1]:
- Copper: The primary metal used in the construction of shell casings is copper, which gives them their distinctive yellow-gold color;
- Zinc: Zinc is also commonly used in brass bullet casings as it helps ensure a tight seal and provides greater structural integrity;
- Lead: Lead is sometimes added to brass bullet casings for extra weight and density, making them more lethal when fired from a firearm;
- Nickel: Nickel is employed in some cases to create a harder surface on the casing that can withstand higher firing pressures without deforming or cracking apart upon impact.
Can Brass Shell Casings Be Recycled?
Yes, they can. Brass shell casings can be recycled. The recycling process involves breaking down the scrap brass into copper and zinc components that can then be reused in the production of new products. This helps reduce waste and conserve natural resources, making it a viable option for responsible recycling.
In addition, the reuse of brass shells also reduces energy consumption as compared to producing ore from raw materials. However, certain safety considerations should be made when recycling brass shell casings due to their connection with firearms. These safety considerations should be taken seriously when it comes to recycling scrap brass shell casings [2]:
- Make sure to wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection when handling brass shell casings;
- Dispose of all empty brass shells in an approved hazardous waste container or recycle them responsibly;
- Utilize certified recyclers who are knowledgeable about the recycling process for brass shell casings;
- Be aware of local laws and regulations regarding the disposal and recycling of scrap metal, including brass shell casings;
- Never attempt to salvage any live rounds found among the scrap brass shells as this can be extremely dangerous;
- Do not incinerate or mix with other metals during recycling processes, as it could result in a hazardous reaction when heated or compressed under extreme temperatures and pressure;
- Always separate brass shells from other metals before taking them to a certified recycler;
- Separate different types of brass casings, such as rifle and pistol shells, into separate containers for recycling purposes;
- Do not attempt to cut or dismantle the brass shell casings to recover any live rounds found inside them as this could be very dangerous and lead to injury or death;
- Always check with local authorities regarding appropriate disposal methods if you are unsure about how to safely recycle your scrap brass shells.
How to Recycle Brass Shells
By following these tips, you can ensure your scrap brass shells are handled safely and responsibly:
Preparation
The preparation stage includes taking the following steps:
- Ensure your collection of shells does not contain any live rounds. Brass shells should not contain any live rounds before they are recycled. Remove any live rounds from the casings and safely store them for proper disposal;
- Wash and dry all of your brass shell casings. To ensure that your brass shells are ready for recycling, it is important to clean them with warm soapy water and dry them off completely;
- Sort your shells by material. Brass shells can be made from a combination of copper and zinc, so it is important to sort them by material before taking them for recycling;
- Verify that no other items are mixed in. To ensure that your brass shells are recycled safely, verify with the recycling facility that no other materials or items are mixed in with the brass shells.
Inform Your Local Police Department
Before taking your brass shells to be recycled, it is best to inform your local police department [3].
It allows them to know that you are disposing of the shells safely and responsibly. Here are the key steps you should take to do it:
- Call your local police department. Make sure to provide as much information as possible regarding the number of shells you plan on recycling, their materials, and their overall condition;
- Receive a confirmation. Ask for written confirmation that your request has been received by the police department and that they have no objections;
- Keep the receipt. Once you receive confirmation from the police department, keep it in a safe location. It allows you to show proof that you are disposing of scrap brass shells responsibly if needed.
Dispose of at a Gun Range or Recycling Facility
Taking your brass shells to a gun range or recycling facility is the best way to ensure that they are recycled safely and responsibly. Gun ranges typically accept spent shell casings for reuse as targets while recycling facilities will accept brass shells for processing and turning into new materials.
Local Waste Management Centers
Your local waste management center may also accept brass shells for recycling. Check with them to see if they have any specific procedures in place for handling brass shell casings. Here are centers you may consider:
- Scrap Metal Yards. Some scrap metal yards accept brass shells for recycling, so contact your local center to see what their policies are;
- Brass Recyclers. Some companies specialize in brass recycling, so if you have a large number of brass shells to dispose of, it is worth exploring these options;
- Ammo Recyclers. Ammo recyclers may be able to accept brass shells for recycling. These companies will typically process the brass shells and turn them into new products such as new rounds of ammunition or bullets;
- Municipal Waste Management. Your local municipality may also accept brass shells for recycling. Check with your local waste authority to see what their policies are on accepting scrap metals for disposal.
How to Choose the Right Waste Management Center
When choosing a waste management center for your brass shell recycling needs, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The center’s experience in handling and recycling brass shells;
- If they accept other materials along with the brass shells (such as copper or zinc);
- What their policies are on hazardous and live rounds of ammunition;
- Their processing fees for recycling services;
- How quickly they can process the materials you have brought in for recycling;
- Whether or not they offer any type of certification or guarantee that your recycled material will be handled responsibly and sustainably;
- How much space is available at the facility for storing and sorting recyclable materials;
- The reputation and reviews of the waste management center, both online and from customers who have used their services;
- The safety protocols and procedures that are in place at the facility;
- Any additional services they offer relating to the recycling of brass shells, such as on-site consulting or sorting services.
Are Empty Brass Shell Casings Worth Anything?
Are Empty Brass Shell Casings Worth Anything? Yes, empty brass shell casings are worth something.
While their exact value may vary depending on the manufacturer and type of casing, brass shells can be sold to scrap yards for recycling or even used in art projects. Here is a closer look at the potential value of empty brass shell casings:
- Scrap Metal Value: Most scrap metal yards will accept empty brass shell casings and pay you based on their weight. Depending on the current market prices for copper and zinc, this could amount to a few dollars per pound of brass shells;
- Reloading Supplies: Some gun enthusiasts may use your empty brass shells to reload ammunition, so they could be worth a few dollars each;
- Art Projects: Empty brass shells can also be used in art projects, so if you have an artistic bent, you could sell them for potential profit;
- Other Uses: Brass shells may have value to other hobbyists and collectors as well, so it is worth checking online forums or local bullet clubs for potential buyers. Ultimately, empty brass shell casings can be sold to scrap metal yards or used in art projects for a bit of pocket money. It is important to remember that their exact value will depend on the type of brass and market prices at the time of sale.
How much are brass shell casings worth?
This step-by-step guide will help you determine how much your brass shell casings are worth and where to go to get the most out of them when selling:
- Research the current market prices for copper and zinc: Before selling your brass shell casings, it is important to research the current market prices for copper and zinc. Many scrap metal yards will base their offers on these prices, so understanding them is key to getting a good deal;
- Sort your brass shells by material: Brass shells can be made from a combination of copper and zinc, so sorting them into piles based on their material content will help you determine their worth;
- Contact local scrap metal yards or bullet clubs: Once you have sorted your brass shells, contact local scrap metal yards or bullet clubs to see if they are interested in buying them. Be sure to ask what they are willing to pay per pound for the brass shells;
- Consider alternate uses: If no one is interested in buying your brass shells, consider using them in art projects or selling them to reloaders. This could provide you with a bit of extra pocket money;
- Make an informed decision: Ultimately, it is up to you to make an informed decision about how much your brass shell casings are worth and how best to sell them. Do some research online or ask around locally for the best possible offers before making a sale.
FAQs
What is an empty bullet shell called?
An empty bullet shell is typically referred to as a “brass casing” or “brass shell.” It is the part of a cartridge that holds the primer, propellant, and bullet in place.
Can you keep empty bullet shells?
Yes, you can. You can keep empty bullet shells as long as they are not live rounds and are kept in a secure location. However, it is important to check the laws in your locality before keeping fired cartridges or bullet shells.
Do shell casings rust?
Yes, they do. Shell casings can rust over time due to exposure to moisture and oxygen. To prevent this from happening, it is important to store your spent brass shells in a dry, airtight container such as a sealed glass jar or Tupperware container. This will help protect them from corrosion and ensure that they last longer.
What does the military do with brass casings?
The military typically recycles brass casings and uses them in the production of new rounds of ammunition.
This helps conserve natural resources by reducing the need to produce ore from raw materials. Additionally, it also reduces energy consumption as compared to producing new casings.
Can you melt down brass shell casings?
Yes, you can. Brass shell casings can be melted down for recycling purposes. It involves breaking down the scrap brass into copper and zinc components that can then be reused in the production of new products. However, certain safety considerations should be made when melting down brass shells due to their connection with firearms, so it is important to choose an experienced professional or facility for your needs.
Can you reuse shell casings?
Yes, you can. Shell casings can be reused. Gun enthusiasts often reload their ammunition and reuse the empty brass shells for this purpose. However, you must ensure the shells are in good condition before attempting to reload them, as damaged or corroded casings can affect the performance of your ammunition. Additionally, it is important to follow proper safety procedures when reloading ammunition at home.
It is also possible to use shell casings in art projects or even simply display them as a memento from shooting trips. Ultimately, deciding whether or not you want to reuse your brass shells depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What can you do with spent brass?
There are many things that you can do with spent brass, depending on the type and condition of the casings [4]:
- Sell it for scrap metal: Empty brass shells can be sold to scrap metal yards or recycling centers for a few dollars per pound, depending on the type of brass and current market rates;
- Reload ammunition: Gun enthusiasts may use your empty brass shells to reload their ammunition, so they could be worth a few dollars each;
- Use in art projects: Empty brass casings can be used to create unique artwork such as jewelry, sculpture pieces, and wall decorations;
- Keep as souvenirs: You can keep spent brass shells from shooting trips as mementos of your adventures;
Decorate with them: Brass shell casings make great decorative accents in offices or living rooms; - Make ornaments: You can use brass shell casings to create custom holiday decorations, such as wreaths and ornaments;
- Make jewelry: Brass shells can be used to make eye-catching necklaces, earrings, and bracelet pieces;
- Turn them into keychains: If you’re feeling crafty, you can turn your spent brass shells into one-of-a-kind keychains for yourself or as gifts for friends and family;
- Repurpose them into wind chimes: Shell casings can be repurposed into unique wind chimes that will add a touch of character to any outdoor space;
- Use them to create home accents: Brass shells make great accent pieces for your home, such as bookends or door handles.
Is it legal to sell brass casings?
Yes, it is. It is legal to sell brass casings in most places. However, the regulations surrounding selling spent brass can vary from state to state and country to country. It is important to check with your local law enforcement or government agencies before attempting to sell brass shells, as some states may have restrictions on who can buy or sell them.
Can I donate my brass casings?
Yes, it is possible to donate your brass casings. Depending on the type of donation you are looking for, there are a few different options available. For example, some shooting ranges or gun clubs may be able to accept donations of brass shells that can then be used as reloading supplies or donated to other members. You can also contact local recycling centers and charities who may accept donations of scrap metal such as brass shells, which will then be recycled into new products.
Donating your empty brass shells may also be possible through online organizations or programs dedicated to preserving the environment and minimizing waste. By doing research and contacting these entities, you could potentially donate your brass casings to a good cause.
Can shells go bad?
Yes, they can. Shells can go bad. Over time, they can corrode or become brittle due to exposure to moisture or age. To ensure that your shells are safe and in good condition for use, it is important to regularly inspect them for signs of damage and replace any that appear faulty.
Useful Video: Brass Scrapping Hacks – Scrap Metal For Beginners – Tips And Tricks
Conclusion
Overall, empty brass shell casings can be recycled for scrap metal or reused for reloading ammunition. Additionally, they may have value to hobbyists and collectors, as well as art enthusiasts looking to use them in projects.
Whatever you choose to do with your brass shells, make sure that you follow local laws and safety protocols when handling or transporting them. With a bit of research, you should be able to find the best way to capitalize on the value of your empty brass shell casings.
References:
- https://hcsplating.com/nickel-plated-vs-brass-ammo-casings/
- https://trashschedules.com/recycling-scrap-ammo/
- https://giffords.org/lawcenter/state-laws/ammunition-regulation-in-new-york/
- https://www.thezoereport.com/living/how-to-decorate-with-brass
