How to Recycle Brass Shells and Earn Some Cash

If you’ve ever visited a firing range, served in the military, or taken up shooting as a hobby, you know that brass shells pile up quickly. These spent casings are often overlooked as trash, but they hold a hidden value.

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is highly sought after in the scrap metal recycling industry. Recycling brass shells not only declutters your space but also puts some quick cash in your pocket while helping the environment.

If you’re looking for a scrap metal recycling company to take those shells off your hands, then consider M&M Recycling. We offer top-dollar for your scrap metals and even offer pickup services for larger batches. Call or message us today to get in touch.

Where Can You Find Brass Shells?

Brass shells primarily come from spent ammunition used in firearms. We get a lot of clients from:

• Shooting Ranges: Whether indoor or outdoor, ranges accumulate thousands of spent casings daily. Some ranges have policies allowing shooters to collect their own brass for recycling or reloading.
• Military and Law Enforcement Training Grounds: These facilities leave behind mountains of brass casings.
• Hunting Trips: Hunters often collect brass shells from spent rounds used in the field.
• Private Gun Owners: Individuals who regularly practice shooting often accumulate brass shells over time.

Some people even acquire spent brass through online forums or gun-related community events where others are happy to give away casings.

Why Is Recycling Brass Shells Profitable?

Brass is one of the most valuable recyclable metals. In fact, they typically command higher prices than aluminum or steel. This is because brass is 100% recyclable and retains its quality through repeated recycling processes. It’s a preferred material for industries like plumbing, automotive, and ammunition manufacturing.

Beyond recycling, spent brass shells are in demand for reloading. Reloading enthusiasts clean and reuse these casings to save money and customize ammunition loads. Selling brass shells to reloaders can sometimes yield higher returns than traditional recycling.

How to Maximize Your Earnings from Brass Shells

If you want to make the most out of recycling brass shells, then consider these tips:

1. Sort Your Brass: Mixed metals, steel casings, or foreign objects can lower the value of your lot. Use a magnet to check; brass is non-magnetic, while steel and other impurities will stick to the magnet.
2. Clean the Casings: Dirty or corroded shells fetch lower prices. Tumble the casings in a brass cleaner or use a simple vinegar and salt solution to remove grime and tarnish.
3. Sell in Bulk: The more brass you have, the better your negotiating power. Collecting a larger quantity of brass shells before recycling can yield higher prices.

With your clean and sorted pile of brass shells in hand, it’s time to shop around. Compare prices at local scrap yards and metal recyclers. Some may specialize in and offer higher rates for brass shells.

Consider M&M Recycling

If you’re looking for a scrap metal buyer offering top-dollar for your brass shells, then consider the time-tested professionals at M&M Recycling. Call or message us today with any questions or concerns you may have.