What are airsoft pellets?
Airsoft pellets, also known as airsoft bbs or airsoft balls, are spherical plastic projectiles used in a variety of pistol and rifle-based airsoft guns.
Plastic pellets are used for indoor arenas, as they do not ricochet too much off hard surfaces. Metal pellets are more commonly used in outdoor fields because they can fly further distances without losing momentum.
Are airsoft pellets biodegradable and safe for the environment?
Airsoft pellets are made from either plastic or metal. As a result, some of them are biodegradable and others aren’t.
Biodegradable airsoft pellets are made from cellulose acetate, which includes the composition of cotton and wood pulp. Such pellets break down quickly in soil and water environments because cellulose acetate is easily digestible by microorganisms.
The most commonly used material for airsoft pellets, however, is ABS plastic. Plastic pellets are non-biodegradable and do not decompose naturally in the environment. Some people mistakenly believe that airsoft pellets can be recycled to create new ones or other products, but this isn’t possible.
Airsoft pellets are not suitable for composting, as plastic is non-biodegradable and takes thousands of years to decompose. Although you can recycle some airsoft pellets by crushing them into chunks and melting them down with a blow torch, the process will not create new pellets.
How do I dispose of my used airsoft pellets?
If you’re an airsoft player, it’s best to store your unused pellets in a cold, dry place. If you have airsoft pellets leftover from a previous game or skirmish, however, it’s important to dispose of them correctly. Non-biodegradable and non-recyclable plastic pellets can’t be recycled and should not be thrown in the trash.
Airsoft pellets should never be burned or microwaved, as they can release toxic gases into the air. If you’re determined to recycle your used airsoft pellets, it’s best to break them down into smaller chunks by placing them in a plastic bag or container and striking them with a hammer.
Plastic pellets can be placed in your regular household trash as long they are completely broken down. If you don’t want to wait for the pellets to decompose on their own, it’s best to crush them into chunks and mix them with other materials that will take a longer time to decompose.
Which types of airsoft pellets are mostly used?
Airsoft pellets are usually made from two different types of plastic materials: ABS and PE.
ABS pellets are the most commonly used airsoft pellets because they have high elasticity, durability, and hardness. They can fly up to about 100–120 meters per second (m/s) with an effective range of about 45 meters. Because of their heavy weight and density, however, airsoft pellets can cause serious injuries if they are shot from a close range.
Airsoft players who play at an indoor arena generally use 0.12- or 0.20-gauge plastic pellets as they have lighter weights than the BBs used at outdoor fields. A paintball mask is typically used to protect eyes from airsoft pellets.
For a full guide on types of airsoft pellets, be sure to read about what are airsoft pellets made of, and which type of pellet is best used in certain situations.
What are some airsoft pellets brands?
Airsoft pellets can also be bought from CQB City, an online retailer based in the United States. This company offers airsoft products such as airsoft guns, paintball guns, tactical gear, and accessories. It also sells several kinds of airsoft pellets from brands such as Airsoft Elite Force, Airsoft Masterpiece Arms, Biovaloy BBs, and more.
In the UK, airsoft pellets can be bought from CQB City’s UK branch, Airsoft Innovations. The company offers a complete line of airsoft guns and accessories from some of today’s top brands such as T&D Holdings Ltd., Dye Precision, HK Army™, and more.
What kind of pellets are best for beginners?
For beginners who are looking to purchase airsoft pellets, it’s best to buy ones that are in the 0.12- or 0.20-gauge range. These pellets have a lower velocity and weight than BBs used outdoors, so they won’t cause serious injuries if a player is accidentally hit with one.
Airsoft pellets don’t need to be lubricated before shooting. Players who buy airsoft pellets can use their airsoft gun as long as it’s purchased from a certified manufacturer or has been approved for indoor play.
Airsoft pellets also come in different price ranges, so be sure to do your research and not overpay something you don’t really need as a beginner.
Conclusion
Airsoft pellets are made from two main types of plastic materials: ABS and PE. They can be used indoors or outdoors, but airsoft pellets should never be microwaved or burned. If you have leftover airsoft pellets at home, it’s best to store them in a dry, cold place until they are needed for the next game. In addition, you should never mix airsoft pellets with the regular garbage. These pellets can be safely thrown out if they are broken down into smaller pieces or placed in the trash along with other non-recyclable materials.
Airsoft players who have leftover airsoft pellets from an earlier skirmish can break them down and place them in their household trash as long as they are completely crushed. If airsoft is played outdoors, however, players and owners of the field should be aware that there might be a special waste disposal plan in their city or town to keep used airsoft pellets from ending up in landfills.
