How to Dispose of a Gun Safe or Heavy Safe

Empty it and deal with the lock

Remove every firearm, all ammunition and any documents. Ammunition doesn't go to a dump. See surrendering ammunition and fireworks. If you've lost the combination, contact the manufacturer or a licensed locksmith. Don't try to cut a safe open yourself.

Sell or give it away

Working safes resell, especially brand-name gun safes. Buyers often have to arrange the move themselves, so list the exact size, weight (if the manufacturer publishes it), and whether it's on a ground floor or in a basement.

Scrap the steel

Many public sites take scrap metal free. Durham, NC, Prince William County, VA for residents, and Kent County, MI (on its disposal fee sheet) all list scrap metal at no charge. Some sites make you lift metal into the bin yourself. At Kitsap County's Olympic View station, customers lift scrap into the container. A scrap yard may pay a little by weight. See scrap yard versus landfill for clean metal.

Many fire-rated safes have fireboard or gypsum-type panels inside the steel walls. Ask the scrap yard or dump whether they'll take the safe whole or want that lining out first.

Checked October 2026. Rules for this item vary by city and county, and fees and accepted items change. Check your local solid waste or household hazardous waste page, or call the site, before you haul.

Moving it

Safes are top-heavy and can tip. Use a rated appliance dolly, ramps, at least two strong helpers and straps. Never let anyone stand on the downhill side on stairs. Remove the door if the manufacturer's instructions allow it, to cut the weight. Since the weight can be well beyond a light trailer's rating, many owners hire safe movers or a junk hauler. See when a junk hauler is the better call.