Mercer Island Police Department officers collected 61 unwanted firearms at their first anonymous and voluntary gun buyback event on March 29 at the city hall campus.

During the event, people turned in 12 handguns, 16 rifles, nine shotguns, 13 pellet guns, three AR-15 or AK-47 type firearms and eight other/non-working firearms.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported this initiative. Securely disposing of unwanted firearms makes our community safer by keeping them from falling into the wrong hands or accidents,” reads a social media post.

According to a city press release, residents could safely turn in their unwanted firearms in exchange for gift cards (quantities are limited and subject to availability): $25 for non-working firearms and pellet guns, $100 for bolt-action rifles and shotguns, $200 for handguns and $250 for assault-style rifles. In order to be eligible for gift cards, participants had to show proof of Mercer Island residency via an identification card, utility bill or other paperwork.

Following the event, specialists were slated to catalogue and destroy all firearms and won’t collect and catalogue any identifiable information.

People can turn in unwanted firearms or ammunition throughout the year. Contact the department through the non-emergency line to schedule a drop off at 425-577-5656.