The members of the Fairfax County Police Department hope you find this information helpful should you have a firearm or ammunition you want to dispose of. Often, we are called upon to assist residents when they have firearms or ammunition they no longer wish to keep. Sometimes people come into contact with these items while assisting an aging family member with moving or they simply no longer want them. Whatever the case may be, the police department will assist you through a simple process.
Disposing of Firearms or Ammunition
The quickest and easiest way to get rid of the firearm or ammunition is simply to call the non-emergency police dispatch number and request an officer respond to your home. Leave the weapon in a safe location and direct the officer to it. The officer will ensure the gun is unloaded and rendered safe before taking possession of it. Police will only collect firearms, magazines, and ammunition for destruction. Reloading supplies, BBs, carrying cases, etc. will have to be disposed of elsewhere.
Alternate Method: Deliver to a District Station
Some residents prefer to deliver the gun or ammunition to their local district police station. While this is not the preferred method, it is acceptable. If you choose to bring the weapon to a station, we ask that you please follow these simple steps:
- If possible, please call that district station prior to your arrival and advise them you are delivering a weapon or ammunition for disposal.
- Ensure the weapon is unloaded and place it in the trunk or rear of your vehicle, separate from any ammunition.
- Make sure you have your driver's license or identification with you as well.
- When you arrive at the station, leave the weapon or ammunition secured in your vehicle. Please do not bring the weapon into the police station!
Once you speak with the front desk, an officer will be called into the station to take a police report and take possession of the gun or ammunition.
Please remember to utilize safety rules when handling any weapon. You should treat every weapon as if it is loaded. Always keep it pointed in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger. If you are not comfortable handling the weapon or are unsure of how to make it safe, please use our preferred method and have a sworn police officer respond to your home.
We hope you find this information helpful should you need our assistance.
General Gun Safety Tips for the Home
- Treat any weapon you may come across as if it is loaded.
- When handling a weapon at home, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. This means that if the weapon were discharged, it would not result in injury.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard if you are not intending to fire the weapon.
- When storing a weapon in your home, you should keep it unloaded. Store the weapon in a locked cabinet or storage case and utilize a trigger lock.
- Ammunition should be stored in a separate location.
- If you have a gun in your home, be sure you understand how it operates. It is helpful to read the manual and seek training, if necessary.
- Know how to safely load and unload the weapon.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any child under the age of fourteen. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
- It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to authorize a child under the age of twelve to use a firearm except when the child is under the supervision of an adult. Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For purposes of this subsection, "adult" shall mean a parent, guardian, person standing in loco parentis to the child or a person twenty-one years or over who has the permission of the parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to supervise the child in the use of a firearm.