Whether it’s after a day’s shoot or just your usual round of pest control, it doesn’t take long for used shotgun cartridges to build up.
It’s a question we hear a lot at Agri.Cycle:
“Can these be recycled, or do I just bin them?”
Let’s clear things up.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Leave Them
It might not seem like much - a few spent shells here and there - but they don’t just disappear.
Most cartridges are made from plastic and metal. Left in fields or hedgerows, they take years to break down, and in the meantime, they’re leaking microplastics, polluting soil and water, and making the place look uncared for.
Plus, if you’ve got livestock, they can pose a risk. If you run a shoot or have visitors on-site, they don’t make a great impression either.
Can You Recycle Shotgun Shells?
Yes - but not in your household bin.
Because they’re made from mixed materials and may contain residues, they need proper handling. That’s where Agri.Cycle comes in.
We offer cartridge recycling as part of our regular farm and estate collections. So, if you’re already recycling feed bags, silage wrap or chemical containers with us, just add the cartridges to your pickup.
How It Works
It’s simple:
- Bag them up (ideally keep them dry)
- We collect them as part of your usual visit
- They’re processed responsibly through our recycling partners
No more dumping them in the shed, and no more “I'll deal with them later” piles.
Why It’s Worth Doing
It’s one of those small jobs that can easily get forgotten - until you realise just how many you’ve got tucked away.
Recycling them properly helps keep your land clean, protects wildlife, and just feels like the right thing to do. And the best bit? We make it easy.
Want to Start Recycling Cartridges?
If you're already using Agri.Cycle, just let us know you'd like to add shotgun shells to your pickup. If you’re new to us, we’ll talk you through how it works.