Due to federal air pollution mandates, the number of foundries willing to destroy firearms is declining.Īgency administrators also report their frustration with the hidden costs, not shown in their approved budget, for the packaging, storing, record-keeping, and eventual destruction of firearms. Much to the chagrin of police administrators, there are reports of supposedly shredded or burned guns reappearing in new crimes. A few agencies transport weapons to car shredders or foundries, requiring significant resources, with an increased risk of loss or theft during the process. In some agencies, seized guns are stored for years before a decision is made to dispose of them. In many instances the Chief of Police or Sheriff was unable to find a safe, simple and secure means to destroy the weapons. In some agencies confiscated and surrendered firearms are destroyed by sawing in-half or cutting with an acetylene torch, while others are crushed with a sledge hammer, all inherently dangerous methods. It is estimated over a million guns are recovered annually by law enforcement.

Yearly, United States law enforcement agencies conduct in excess of 7.3 million firearm serial number checks. While seizure and recovery numbers are not published, ATF data reflects over 490,800 crime guns were traced in 2020. There has been a significant increase in the number of firearms seized by and surrendered to law enforcement agencies.

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