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Find a Gun Buyback Program Near You

If you are looking for an upcoming gun buyback program in your area, you’re in the right place. We offer a comprehensive schedule of local gun buyback programs so that you can stay informed on both upcoming and past events.

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Upcoming Gun Buyback Events in Ohio

Past Events in Ohio

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Columbus, OH Past

Columbus Sets Second Gun Buyback for September 14

Sep 14, 2024 Sat

10 AM to 2 PM

The Columbus Division of Police has arranged its second annual gun buyback event to take place on September 14, 2024. This continues the city's efforts to reduce potential firearm hazards in the community, especially from unwanted and unsecured weapons.Event DetailsDate: Saturday, September 14, 2024Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PMLocation: Franklin University, Phillips Hall Parking Lot D, 303 S. Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215Terms of Exchange: Gift cards valued up to $750 based on the type and condition of firearms surrenderedEligibility: Open to all residents, no identification required, complete anonymity guaranteedRequirements: Firearms must be unloaded and transported in the trunk of a vehicle in a plastic bag, paper bag, or boxContext and ImpactThe buyback was organized by the Columbus Office of Violence Prevention in partnership with the Columbus Division of Police.Last year's inaugural event collected 344 firearms with the city distributing $136,600 in gift cards. It also ended with $106,225 remaining due to time constraints in processing all participants."We know that a large majority of guns that end up in crime are stolen from either a car or a house," said Rena Shak, executive director of the Office of Violence Prevention. This informed the city's decision to offer above-market value compensation as added incentive for participation."We're just grateful that people continue to step up and want to get rid of guns they don't need, so we can keep them out of the hands of kids and folks that shouldn't have access to them," said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.In addition to collecting weapons, police officers distributed gun locks and safes to promote responsible firearm storage for those who retain their weapons.All collected firearms undergo a thorough investigation process to check serial numbers and ensure they aren't connected to criminal activities before being destroyed.Based on lessons learned from the previous year, organizers made logistical improvements to the 2024 event. "This year we're looking at location. We want to make sure it's somewhere central so everybody around the city has easy access to the location," explained Shak prior to the event.Additional InformationFor more information about future gun buyback events and other violence prevention initiatives, residents can contact the Columbus Office of Violence Prevention at 614-645-9583 or email OVP@columbus.gov. Information is also available through their social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

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Akron, OH Past

Akron Gun Buyback Returns After Five-Year Hiatus

Dec 03, 2023 Sun

10 AM to 2 PM

After a five-year absence, a gun buyback program is returning to Akron, coordinated by Summit County Council in conjunction with the Sheriff's and Prosecutor's offices for a December 3 event. It will be a voluntary exchange program at a local church in East Akron.Event DetailsDate: Saturday, December 3Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Location: Arlington Church of God, 539 S. Arlington St., East AkronTerms of Exchange:$150 gift card for each operable gun$25 gift card for each inoperable gunGift cards redeemable at Dave's Supermarket or Acme Fresh MarketLimit of three guns per personGift cards available while supplies lastEligibility: Open to all; no questions asked about gun originsRequirements: Guns must be unloaded prior to arrivalContext and ImpactThis marks only the second gun buyback event in Akron since 2008, with the last one occurring in 2019.The voluntary Summit County Gun Buyback and Safety Training Initiative was created by County Council in August, allocating up to $55,000 for gift cards, gun locks, educational materials, and related program expenses.Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree emphasized the program's preventative benefits, stating, "We cannot know the history of every gun that's turned in, but we can at least ensure that those guns can't ever be used in a crime or suicide, or be discovered by a child, and that is a net gain for our entire community."Community partners include the Arlington Church of God and the Akron NAACP, which donated funding specifically for gun locks.County Council member Erin Dickinson, who co-sponsored the legislation with fellow council members Veronica Sims, John Schmidt, and Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro, cited the urgency of addressing gun safety issues.The Sheriff's Office will operate the program on a first-come, first-served basis during the designated hours. In addition to the gun exchange, the initiative will provide free gun locks and safety information to promote responsible firearm ownership throughout the community.

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Cincinnati, OH Past

Cincinnati Nonprofit Offers Safe Return for Stolen Firearms

Oct 21, 2023 Sat

10 AM to 1 PM

A specialized gun buyback event will be held by Street Rescue in Cincinnati for October 21, 2023 to address recently stolen firearms circulating in the community.Street Rescue is a local nonprofit organization that will provide a safe, no-questions-asked opportunity for individuals to surrender weapons, with a particular focus on guns taken during recent smash-and-grab thefts.Event DetailsDate: Saturday, October 21, 2023Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Location: Progressive Baptist Church, 613 Prospect Place, AvondaleExchange Terms: Gift cards provided in value commensurate with the weapons surrenderedEligibility: Open to anyone, no questions asked about the weapons' originsFocus: While all firearms are accepted, the event specifically targets recently stolen weaponsContext and ImpactThe event comes in response to a series of smash-and-grab thefts at gun stores throughout Greater Cincinnati.According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), approximately 100 firearms were stolen during these incidents, with only about 10 recovered thus far.Eleven individuals have been arrested in connection with the thefts, which involved driving stolen vehicles through storefronts to gain access to the weapons."Anyone found by authorities with these guns – and the serial numbers are on record – will be considered to be trafficking in stolen merchandise," explained Charles Tassell, founder of Street Rescue. "Removing the serial numbers is also a felony."This buyback event offers a way for these weapons to be surrendered without legal consequences, emphasizing safety and community wellbeing.Street Rescue has a history of conducting gun buyback events in Cincinnati, consistently providing a channel for unwanted weapons and ammunition to be safely surrendered.The ATF is additionally offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to further arrests related to the recent gun thefts.For more information about the event, residents can visit street-rescue.org. The event will operate on a first-come, first-served basis during the designated hours.

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Toledo, OH Past

Toledo Leaders Host Gun Buyback September 16

Sep 16, 2023 Sat

10 AM to 2 PM

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz's office, Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates, Lucas County Commissioner Lisa Sobecki, and the Toledo Police Department have announced a gun buyback for September 16, 2023.This community initiative provides residents with a secure method to dispose of unwanted firearms while receiving gas gift cards as compensation.Event DetailsDate: Saturday, September 16, 2023Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Location: Chet Zablocki Recreation Center, 3015 Lagrange Street, ToledoTerms of Exchange: BP and S&G gas gift cards based on firearm typeEligibility: Open to all community members with unwanted firearmsCompensation StructureThe program offers gas gift cards redeemable at local BP and S&G stations according to firearm classification:$200: High-velocity semi-automatic firearms (chambered in .223/556/7.62 x 39)$150: Handguns$100: Rifles$50: ShotgunsFirearms must be unloaded and fully functional to qualify for compensation. Non-functioning weapons are not eligible for payment, and 3D-printed guns are not accepted.Program GuidelinesNo identification is required and no questions are asked during the exchange process. Gift card payments are subject to availability and individual payment limits may apply regardless of the number or type of firearms surrendered.Ammunition is accepted but carries no monetary value. The Toledo Police Department also distributes gun locks during the event as an additional safety resource.Context and ImpactThe collaborative initiative represents a continued commitment to responsible firearm disposal. Last year's successful event collected 148 firearms from community members seeking safe disposal options.Similar programs across the country aim to provide secure disposal methods for unwanted firearms. For more information about future events, residents can contact the Toledo Police Department or participating agencies directly.

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