California has seen a myriad of successful gun buyback events this year. Yet, many more are still to come. As we approach the close of 2023, California is gearing up for several upcoming gun buyback California 2023 events. These events, spread across various counties, offer a safe and responsible way for residents to contribute to community safety and gun violence prevention by disposing of unwanted firearms. This guide provides all the essential details for those looking to participate in one of these upcoming events.
If you're weighing the decision to participate in a gun buyback but aren't sure if it's the right choice for you, check out our guide, California Gun Buyback Events: Everything You Need To Know.
Upcoming Gun Buyback Events In Northern California 2023
Northern California residents still have plenty of opportunities to attend a gun buyback this 2023. End-of-year events are coming to Oakland, Belmont, San Jose and San Francisco.
Alameda County, CA
Oakland – November 18, 2023
Oakland Police Department is collaborating with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to sponsor an anonymous "Guns To Gardens" buyback event in November. This upcoming gun buyback California 2023 event will be hosted at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Oakland. But, this isn't a typical gun buyback. Importantly, the guns atendees turn in will undergo a beautiful transformation. By turning these guns into gardening tools, this unique initiative transforms tools of violence into symbols of growth and nurture. Above all, this event is a great opportunity for people in Alameda County to contribute to gun safety in their community.
“It’s all about narrative. If people want to see a narrative of violence, hate, of lack of hope then that’s what they begin to believe in. This is also an opportunity to change that narrative, to show that we can do something good, can do something beautiful. There are opportunities, there are people working for peace who care about you. That’s the beauty in Guns to Gardens. Transformation can happen in a person but transformation that can also happen within a community.”
- Minister Payton Skillet of At Thy Word Ministries, Interview with Oakland Voices
Oakland Event Details
Date/Time: November 18, 2023, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1203 Willow Street, Oakland, CA
Rewards for Participation:
- Gift cards up to $300, depending on type of gun
- Additionally, hand-forged garden tools from previously surrendered guns will be given for each gun.
- Further, a $5 contribution to Zion Food Pantry for each gun turned in
How to Turn in Unwanted Firearms at the Event?
Firstly, transport your firearms to the event. Importantly, they must be unloaded and stored in the trunk of your car or a secure locked container that is out of reach. Upon arrival, remain seated and leave firearms in your trunk. Meanwhile, an Oakland Police Department officer will safely retrieve the firearms from the trunk.
What Happens to Collected Firearms?
Initially, the Oakland Police Department catalogs each gun for record-keeping. Subsequently, any stolen firearms are given back to their legitimate owners. After that, law enforcement will deconstruct the remaining guns into parts that are no longer classified as firearms. From there, a skilled blacksmith takes these parts and artfully forges them into beautiful garden tools. These tools, symbolic of turning weapons of destruction into instruments of growth and beauty, are later distributed at future gun buyback events.
Have Questions?
@INSTAGRAM/GUNSTOGARDENSOAK or OAKLAND@BRADYUNITED.ORG
More Ways To Contribute To Guns To Gardens Oakland
- Spread the Word: Help spread the word about the event on November 18 or share articles about Oakland's Guns To Gardens.
- Donate to Fund Future Events: Bummed you can't attend? Even so, you can still help by donating to fund future Guns To Gardens events in Oakland. Donations can be made on St. Paul’s Episcopal Church website. Importantly, make sure to select the option "Give to Guns To Gardens."
- Volunteer: Anyone can volunteer at the November 18th event or promote it in your neighbourhood. Contact Paula Hawthorn at paula.hawthorn@gmail.com for more information about the process.
- Show Support On Instagram: Support the Oakland Guns To Gardens initiatives by following the official @gunstogardensoak on Instagram. Additionally, like and share the event flyer on Instagram.
Santa Clara County, CA
San Jose – December 2, 2023
The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office is hosting an upcoming gun buyback event in San Jose this December. This event gives residents the opportunity to anonymously surrender their firearms, including illegal guns like assault weapons and ghost guns, with no questions asked. In fact, higher payouts will be given for these types of firearms. This is part of the Sheriff's Office's effort to remove these more dangerous weapons from circulation, thereby enhancing the safety and security of the community.
“Reducing the number of unsecured firearms in our community is paramount to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. The Gun Buy Back program provides a crucial opportunity for individuals to responsibly dispose of unwanted firearms, preventing accidents, gun thefts, and potentially harmful situations.”
– Sheriff Robert Jonsen of Santa Clara County
San Jose Event Details
Date/Time: December 2, 2023, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Reid-Hillview Airport, 2500 Cunningham Ave, San Jose, CA
Rewards for Participation:
- $100 cash for handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
- $200 cash for unregistered "ghost guns" and assault rifles.
- Importantly, rewards only for functional firearms.
Terms & Conditions:
- Functionality Requirement: Only functional firearms qualify for rewards.
- Quantity Limit: You can receive rewards for a maximum of 5 guns.
- Allocation of Rewards: Rewards will be issued on a 'first come, first serve' basis.
How to Turn in Unwanted Firearms at the Event?
Transport your firearms, unloaded, in the trunk of your car. If you are also turning in ammunition for disposal, transport ammunition in a locked container separate from your firearms. Upon arrival, remain in your vehicle and leave the firearms in your trunk. Further, wait for a law enforcement officer to remove the firearms from your trunk.
What Happens to Collected Firearms?
Firstly, guns will be checked for lost or stolen status. After that, guns found to be stolen are returned to the legal owners. Subsequently, law enforcement will destroy all other firearms.
Additional Services At San Jose 2023 Buyback
In addition to turning in firearms for incentives, this event also offers several additional services to the community. Explicitly, these services below are available to all who attend the event, at no cost.
- Guns & Ammo Disposal: Non-functional firearms and firearms that exceed the 5 limit maximum per person can still be surrendered for safe disposal. Unwanted ammunition will also be accepted for disposal.
- Gun Lock Distribution: Law enforcement will distribute gun locks at the event, promoting safe firearm storage.
- Educational Resources: Participants will have access to information on gun violence restraining orders, mental health resources, suicide prevention, and gun safety.
San Mateo County, CA
Belmont - December 9, 2023
Since its inception in 2021, the San Mateo County Gun Buy-Back Program has consistently worked towards the goal of reducing dangerous firearms in the community. Hosting two annual anonymous events, the program's seventh installment is set for this December in the city of Belmont. To date, these events have successfully collected 2,359 firearms. With support from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, the Sheriff's Office, Citizens for a San Mateo County Gun Buy Back, along with promotion by the city, the program stands as a testament to effective community collaboration.
"Fewer guns means fewer chances for guns falling into the wrong hands. You can keep your family safer if you get rid of unwanted firearms. It's tragic but over half of all suicides occur with the use of a firearm."
- Don Horsley, president of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and former San Mateo County Sheriff
San Mateo Event Details
Date/Time: December 9, 2023, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: San Mateo County Human Services, 400 Harbor Blvd., Belmont, CA
Rewards for Participation:
- $50 for non-functioning firearms.
- $100 cash for handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
- $200 cash for "ghost guns" and assault rifles (per California's firearms classifications)
How to Turn in Unwanted Firearms at the Event?
Before transportation, make sure to unload any bullets from your firearms. Next, transport the firearms in the trunk of your vehicle or in a locked container if transporting them in a truck or van. Upon arrival, stay in your vehicle and wait for an officer to assist you.
What Happens to Collected Firearms?
Firstly, guns are input into a database to check if they are stolen or lost and return any stolen guns. After that, law enforcement will destroy all remaining firearms.
San Francisco County, CA
San Francisco - December 9, 2023
On December 9, 2023, the San Francisco Police Department will collaborate with United Playaz as they host their 12th annual anonymous gun buyback event in San Francisco. This ongoing effort highlights the community's commitment to reducing senseless gun violence. Collecting over 2,500 guns since it's inception in 2014, this initiative has been incredibly impactful. For instance, last year's event collected 140 guns, including 13 assault rifles. The 2021 event saw an even greater turnout, yielding 265 firearms.
"One gun makes an impact, because that one gun can destroy one life, that can destroy this whole world."
- Rudy Valentino, United Playaz' executive director
San Francisco Event Details
Date/Time: December 9, 2023, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: United Playaz; 1038 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
Rewards for Participation:
- $100 cash for handguns.
- $200 cash for California assault weapons.
- Additionally, anyone can get a free gun lock by visiting any SFPD station.
How to Turn in Unwanted Firearms at the Event?
Above all, participants must transport their firearms in accordance with California law. In particular, firearms must be locked and unloaded during transport. You can store your guns in the trunk of your vehicle or secure them in a locked container that is out of reach. For any questions, contact Rudy Corpuz Jr at (415) 573-6219.
What Happens to Collected Firearms?
After collection, the firearms undergo a transformational process where they're melted down. Typically, United Playaz emphasizes repurposing the resulting materials to create jewelry and various goods. These items are then sold, and the sales help finance future gun buy-back events, effectively turning instruments of potential harm into resources that support ongoing community safety initiatives.
Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office
Santa Clara County Continuous Gun Buyback
In addition to coordinating the upcoming gun buyback event for those near San Jose, California, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office also launched a continuous gun buyback in August 2023. This innovative year-round Firearms Relinquishment Program incentivizes residents to relinquish their unwanted firearms anonymously, without any questions asked.
Santa Clara's Program Details
Date/Time: Year-round
Locations:
Headquarters
55 West Younger Avenue
San Jose, California 95110-1721
(map, detailed map, map to the Sheriff's office)
Toll Free: (800) 211-2220; Phone: (408) 808-4400
Open 24/7/365
South County Sub-Station
80 W. Highland Avenue Bldg. K
San Martin, CA 95046 (map)
Phone: (408) 686-3650
Available Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
West Valley Division
1601 S. De Anza Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014 (map)
Phone: (408) 868-6600
Available Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Rewards for Participation:
- $50 Visa Gift Card for each gun relinquished
Terms & Conditions:
- Quantity Limit: A maximum of (5) gift cards will be issued per person.
- Allocation of Rewards: The gift cards will be issued on a first come first serve basis until the funds are exhausted.
How to Turn in Unwanted Firearms?
Firstly, transport your firearms to one of the Sheriff's stations listed above during their available hours. During transport, firearms must be unloaded and locked in the trunk of your vehicle or secured in a locked container. When you arrive, park your vehicle in a Sheriff’s Office visitor space. Do NOT bring any firearms inside the Sheriff's Office building. Instead, leave the firearms locked in your vehicle and walk inside for further instructions. Visit this page to see complete instructions.
What Happens to Collected Firearms?
Collected guns will be checked to ensure they are not stolen. If a gun is found to be stolen, it will be returned to the legal owners. Law enforcement will destroy all other firearms.
Upcoming Gun Buyback In Southern California 2023
A continuous gun buyback event is held year-round for Orange County residents. In addition, an anonymous event is coming to Burbank this December as well.
Los Angeles County, California
Burbank - December 9, 2023
The Burbank Police Department is hosting a Gun Buyback this 2023. As a result, Burbank residents can anonymously turn in unwanted firearms at this drive through event set for December. The primary goals are to decrease the number of unwanted firearms in the community, enhancing safety.
Burbank Event Details
Date/Time: December 9, 2023, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Rear parking lot, Police/Fire Headquarters, 200 North Third Street, Burbank, CA
Rewards for Participation:
- $100 gift card for handguns, rifles, or shotguns.
$200 gift card for assault weapons (as defined per California law).
Terms & Conditions:
- Complete Firearms Only: Rewards will only be given for complete firearms. Incomplete guns or parts are accepted for destruction, but not rewarded.
- No Ammunition: Strongly advised against bringing ammunition and no rewards will be given for it. You may surrender ammunition to the Burbank Police Department any time outside of the event at Burbank Police Department.
- Rewards Limit: Police Department reserves the right to limit an individual's gift card quantities, regardless of firearms surrendered.
- Reward Availability: Distributed while supplies last.
How to Turn in Unwanted Firearms at the Event?
- Transporting Firearms To The Event:
- Unloaded: Firearms must be unloaded, with clips or magazines removed.
- Age Requirement: Only adults aged 18 or over should transport guns, in compliance with California laws.
- Placement In Vehicle: Guns should be placed in the trunk or rear cargo area of the vehicle. Firearms must be out of reach of the occupants.
- Procedure Upon Arrival:
- Stay in Vehicle: Upon arrival at the event, you are required to remain inside your vehicle at all times.
What Happens to Collected Firearms?
Guns will be checked for lost/stolen status. Stolen firearms get returned to their legal owners. The rest get destroyed by law enforcement.
Orange County, California
Orange County's Continuous Gun Buyback 2023
At California Gun Services, we are proud to offer a year-round gun buyback program exclusively for Orange County residents. Unlike typical gun buyback events, our program is unique in that we come to you. This limits breaking transportation laws and potentially unsafe gun handling. Our goal is to help keep our community safe by providing a convenient and legal method for reducing the number of dangerous or unwanted firearms.
Orange County Gun Buyback Program Details
Date/Time: Year-round
Location: On-site, we come to you.
Rewards for Participation:
- $50 Visa Gift Card for each gun.
- Any quantity of guns. Any condition.
Terms & Conditions:
- Allocation of Rewards: We pay $50 per gun in the form of a $50 Visa Gift Card no matter what condition or the number of guns you have.
- Ineligible Firearms: Assault rifles, machine guns or any destructive devices are not eligible for rewards and will not be taken.
How to Turn in Unwanted Firearms?
To turn in unwanted firearms, start by scheduling an appointment. To do so, you can call (714) 639-9608 or request an appointment online at https://gunbuybacks.org/. After scheduling an appointment, a certified representative from California Gun Services will visit your home at the appointed time to legally aquire and remove your firearms. We file an acquisition on the spot and give you a legal receipt showing that California Gun Services has legally taken possession. All of our representatives are certified firearms safety instructors and have been approved by the ATF, DOJ, and local Orange County law enforcement. We will need a valid Identification Card and a signature. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.
Is It Anonymous?
No, this gun buyback program is not anonymous. Further, participants will need a valid Identification Card and are required to provide a signature.
What Happens to Collected Firearms?
We inspect all firearms that we acquire. Any gun that is broken, unsafe or illegal will be destroyed or turned it into the appropriate authorities. Firearms that are found to have Historical Value or significant monetary value can be sold on an auction sight and sold to a licensed FFL Dealer outside the state of California. The money collected goes back to fund the Gun Buy-Back Program.
Unable to Attend an Event?
We understand that attending a gun buyback event might not be possible for everyone. But don't worry, you still have year-round options for to get rid of your unwanted guns. You may be able to take them to a local Firing Range or Police Station for disposal, or California Gun Services will come and pick up any amount from your home. With our California gun disposal services, CGS can legally take possession of the unwanted firearm and disassemble, destroy or sell it.
