Some Mercer Island residents recently contacted the police department and asked about the disposal process of unwanted firearms and ammunition in their homes.

As a result of those inquiries, police chief Ed Holmes said they posted a social media message to inform the community that the department can safely handle destruction of those materials.

To arrange collection with an officer, people can call the department’s dispatch line at 425-577-5656.

Holmes said the department has always offered to collect residents’ unwanted firearms, and officers typically pick up two or three monthly for destruction.