Saint Matthew's Church to Serve as Site for Sunday's Gun Buyback Event

Residents wishing to sell their personal firearms will be able to do so on Sunday afternoon at Saint Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church as part of the Bergen County Sheriff's gun buyback program. Officers will be at the church from 1 to 5pm.

Funded through the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office by seized assets from criminal cases, the program will pay up to $300 for firearms. 

“Gun violence knows no bounds,” Sheriff Michael Saudino said in a statement. “Intentional violence and accidental discharges involving firearms can destroy families and communities. If we can take just one dangerous weapon out of our homes or off our streets, we can make Bergen County a safer place for all residents.”

Firearms experts from the sheriff's office will be on hand at the gun collection locations to help visitors complete paperwork and secure the firearms. Officials will also provide complimentary trigger locks and gun safety information.

Compensation will vary based on the type of firearm, the sheriff's office said. Officials will offer $20 for non-operational guns, $80 for rifles and shotguns, $100 for handguns and $300 for automatic assault weapons and machine guns. 

The program will be Bergen County's second gun buyback, officials said. In 2010, the sheriff's office netted 708 firearms, including two assault weapons. 

All firearms and ammunition should be transported in separate containers.