Recycling isn’t just about paper, plastic, and aluminum cans. There’s a valuable and often overlooked material that plays a major role in sustainability—scrap brass shells. These are the empty casings left behind after ammunition is fired, and they can be found in shooting ranges, military training areas, hunting sites, and even private collections.

Whether you’re a gun range operator, a hobbyist, or someone cleaning out old storage, recycling scrap brass shells is both a smart environmental move and a great way to earn some extra cash.

What Are Brass Shell Casings?

Brass shells, often referred to as brass casings or cartridges, are used in firearms to hold the bullet, primer, and gunpowder. After a round is fired, the brass shell is ejected and typically left behind.

Unlike plastic or steel, brass is a non-ferrous metal, which means it doesn’t rust and retains its value even after repeated use. This makes it ideal for recycling. Most shell casings are made of 70% copper and 30% zinc, a valuable mix for metal recyclers.

Why Recycle Scrap Brass Shells?

There are several solid reasons to recycle brass casings:

1. Environmental Benefits

Recycling brass uses far less energy than producing new brass from raw materials. By reusing casings, you help reduce mining, conserve natural resources, and minimize waste going to landfills.

2. Extra Income

Brass has a good market value. If you collect a significant amount, especially in bulk from shooting ranges or training facilities, recycling them can bring in a decent return.

3. Space-Saving

Let’s face it—used brass shells can pile up fast. Instead of letting them gather dust or clutter your space, turning them in for recycling is a productive alternative.

4. Legal & Safe Disposal

In some areas, disposing of large amounts of brass casings improperly can cause legal issues. Recycling them through a certified scrap dealer or recycler ensures proper handling and safe processing.

How Does Brass Shell Recycling Work?

Recycling brass casings is a straightforward process, but there are a few important steps to follow:

Step 1: Collection

Start by collecting empty brass shells from shooting ranges, hunting trips, or personal use. Make sure the casings are indeed brass (some cheaper ammunition uses steel or aluminum). Use a magnet—brass is non-magnetic, so if it sticks, it’s not brass.

Step 2: Cleaning

Some recycling centers may require the casings to be clean and free of debris. This doesn’t mean polished—but removing dirt, stones, or powder residue is a good idea. Tumble cleaning is a popular method used by shooters and reloaders.

Step 3: Sorting

Sort brass casings by type or size if possible. Mixed brass might still be accepted, but sorted loads often fetch better prices.

Step 4: Find a Buyer

Locate a local scrap yard, metal recycling center, or ammo reloading company that accepts brass. Many will buy in bulk. Some online platforms also accept shipments of scrap brass casings.

Step 5: Get Paid

Once the brass is weighed and assessed, you’ll be offered a price based on the current market rate for brass. Prices can vary depending on purity, quantity, and condition.

What Not to Do with Scrap Brass Shells

  • Don’t bring live rounds – Most recycling centers won’t accept live ammo due to safety concerns. Always double-check that shells are empty.

  • Don’t mix metals – Avoid mixing brass with steel or aluminum casings.

  • Don’t skip cleaning – Dirty or corroded shells might be rejected or priced lower.

Common Buyers of Brass Casings

  • Shooting ranges – Often have recycling programs or partner with metal recyclers.

  • Reloaders – Individuals who reload ammo often buy used brass in good condition.

  • Scrap yards – Most metal scrap facilities accept brass and offer fair market prices.

  • Online recyclers – Some websites buy brass casings by weight and offer shipping options.

Is Reloading Better Than Recycling?

Some people choose to reload brass casings instead of recycling. Reloading involves cleaning and refilling spent shells with new bullets and powder. This is popular among hobbyists and sport shooters. However, once casings become cracked, dented, or worn out, they’re no longer safe for reloading and should be recycled.

Final Thoughts

Scrap brass shells might look like junk at first glance, but they carry serious value—both environmentally and financially. Whether you’re a regular at the shooting range, a firearms instructor, or someone with a box of old ammo shells collecting dust, recycling your brass is a smart move.

It keeps your space clean, puts a few bucks in your pocket, and supports a cleaner planet. So, gather up those empty casings and turn your spent ammo into something useful.