Cleveland Turns 700 Guns into Appliances

Yesterday, authorities from the city of Cleveland joined efforts with Arcelor Mittal Cleveland to organize a program that will have the objective of melting approximately 700 guns.

Three days earlier, Cleveland's inhabitants gave up their guns and were rewarded for their noble intention with gift cards.

Also, those who helped officials fight the presence of deadly weapons on the city's streets had the change to win $1,000 after receiving a free entry to a rifle.

Cleveland's initiative doesn't just support their citizens' safety, it also takes care of their life quality by raising the level of awareness regarding green values. Recycling is the other ambition of this strategy.

Those 700 unwanted guns will be transformed into washing machines and other such devices everyone might need around their households.

“We are pleased to melt down the collected weapons and recycle them into consumer goods that improve the quality of all our lives. In fact, the guns we melt could eventually become washing machines, car parts or refrigerators,” said Eric Hauge, general manager & vice president, ArcelorMittal Cleveland.

If we take into account its precedent, the initiative was successful. Last year, after working in partnership with major metal companies, Cleveland's representatives managed to take almost 400 guns out of the street, a significant number if we think about how many lives this strategy might have saved.

This year, autorities and companies will focus their attention on fire weapons that come from buy-backs, or which were confiscated or brought by owners on their own will.

The process is quite simple. 200 tons of iron will be melted in a No.1 Basic Oxygen Furnace, using a temperature of 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit (1315.5 degrees Celsius).

The iron and scrap will be placed in the furnice in order to produce steel. The recycling of many guns which might be considered a threat to public safety will most likely please most of Cleveland's inhabitants as this event will provide them with refurbished appliances at great prices.