WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County residents have a new way to get rid of unwanted guns.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) announced on Friday, July 24, they’re launching a voluntary firearms exchange program.

Anyone who wants to dispose of their gun can anonymously trade it in for a cash card.

To participate, residents can sign up online for an appointment before bringing unloaded firearms to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Donnell Tanksley emphasized that the program is focused on preventing theft, accidents or misuse, not to investigate people who turn in guns.

Firearms don’t have to be in working condition to be turned in, but ammunition and explosives will not be accepted.

WCSO is one of 12 statewide law enforcement agencies that received funding for the program from the Washington state Attorney General’s Office.