Residents across Birmingham are being encouraged to safely and anonymously dispose of knives and other bladed weapons as part of the Home Office’s national Weapons Surrender Scheme, running from 3 August to 31 August 2026.
The initiative builds on the success of last year’s campaign, during which more than 3,570 knives and bladed weapons were surrendered across England during July 2025. Since then, almost 10,000 additional knives and bladed weapons have been deposited in Home Office-funded surrender bins, helping to remove dangerous weapons from communities and reduce the risk of violence.
Making Communities Safer
The Home Office is once again working with partners across the country to provide safe, accessible and anonymous opportunities for people to surrender knives and bladed weapons.
This year, the scheme has expanded with additional government-funded surrender bins being introduced in West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire, alongside existing provision in the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and London.
Where Can Weapons Be Surrendered?
People can anonymously surrender knives and bladed weapons through:
Words 4 Weapons Surrender Bins
Available across: West Midlands; Greater Manchester; London; West Yorkshire; South Yorkshire
Using these bins is:
- Completely anonymous
- No questions asked
- No personal details required
Birmingham and West Midlands Surrender Locations
Residents in Birmingham can surrender weapons all year round. To find their nearest surrender bin, sponsored by the Police and Crime Commission please click here:
https://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/preventing-crime/knife-crime/weapon-surrender-bins/.
The scheme allows individuals to dispose of weapons safely and anonymously, helping to keep dangerous items off the streets.
Safe Surrender Guidance
If you are planning to surrender a weapon, please:
- Wrap the weapon securely in a sealed bag, box or container
- Travel directly to the surrender location
- Avoid handling the weapon unnecessarily
- Remember that no personal details are required unless compensation is being claimed
How You Can Help
We are asking community organisations, schools, youth services, faith groups and local partners to support the campaign by:
- Sharing information about the surrender scheme through their networks
- Directing residents to local surrender locations
- Promoting safe packaging and transportation of weapons
- Encouraging conversations with young people and families about the dangers and consequences of carrying weapons
Together We Can Make Birmingham Safer
Every weapon surrendered is one less weapon on our streets. By working together and supporting the 2026 Weapons Surrender Scheme, we can help reduce violence, protect our communities and create safer neighbourhoods for everyone.
For full details of the scheme, visit the Home Office guidance on GOV.UK.
