Can you put ammunition in a dumpster?

Q: Can you put ammunition in a dumpster?

Never. Ammunition can't go in the trash or a dumpster. King County, WA says ammunition can't go in the garbage and isn't accepted at its HHW sites, and directs people to the local non-emergency police line. Dumpsters.com prohibits reactive waste. Some programs, such as Oregon Metro, do accept ammunition at HHW.

Short answer: Never. Ammunition can't go in the trash or a dumpster.

Why

King County, WA says ammunition can't go in the garbage and isn't accepted at its HHW sites, and directs people to the local non-emergency police line. Dumpsters.com prohibits reactive waste. Some programs, such as Oregon Metro, do accept ammunition at HHW.

What to do with it instead

Call your local police non-emergency line. Some ranges or HHW programs accept it.

What changes by location

local: HHW acceptance varies

Sources

King County (WA) - Ammunition disposal
Oregon Metro - Common household hazardous products
Dumpsters.com - What Can't You Put in a Dumpster? (Prohibited Items)

Checked October 2026. Rules change; your hauler's prohibited-items list is the final word.

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