In an effort to get unwanted guns off the street, Albertans can safely hand over their illegal or unwanted firearms and ammunition to police without facing charges for possessing unregistered and unlicensed weapons.

The program, which runs between October 1 and 31, is voluntary and will allow Albertans with unwanted guns to safely turn them over to police. Most weapons turned in will be destroyed, however those with historical significance may be given to museums.

What weapons are included?

All weapons will be accepted under the amnesty, including: shotguns handguns ammunition replica or imitation firearms pellet guns other dangerous weapons such as pepper spray and knives

The amnesty is designed to help prevent unwanted guns from falling into the wrong hands or killing someone if accidentally fired.

All municipal and First Nations police forces and the RCMP will be participating in the amnesty. Anyone wanting to dispose of their weapons should contact their local police station's non-emergency number to make arrangements to turn them over.

Do not take these items to the police station unless police have said to do so.

• More information: Non-emergency numbers for police services

All guns turned in will be tested to ensure they haven’t been stolen or used to commit a crime. If they have been, there will be an investigation that could result in charges.

Statistics on the number of guns turned in through the amnesty are available online. Statistics are updated weekly.

More information

• Answers to questions about the gun amnesty
• Contact information for police services
• Gun amnesty statistics
• News release