Can You Reuse Gel balls? When to Throw Ammo Away

Gel balls, also known as hydro balls or water beads, are superabsorbent polymers commonly used as ammunition for toy gel blasters and other airsoft-style guns. Compared to paintballs or BBs, gel balls are a safer, less painful, and more affordable option for recreational shooting activities.

When cared for properly, a single batch of gel balls can be reused many times over. However, at some point, the beads will become too deformed, dried out, or contaminated to be functional. Knowing when to call it quits and dispose of your ammo is important for safety and maintaining accuracy.

This guide covers everything you need to know about reusing gel balls, including:

• Proper storage and rehydration
• Creative reuse ideas before disposal
• Safe disposal methods
• Signs it’s time to throw them away
• Cost savings of reusing ammo

Storing Gel Balls for Later Use

The key to reusing gel balls over an extended period is proper storage. When kept in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, they can maintain their shape and absorbency for years.

Follow these tips for optimal storage:

• Allow wet gel balls to air dry completely before storage. Any moisture encourages mold growth. Spread them out on a towel.
• Place dried beads in an airtight plastic container or resealable bag. Glass jars also work well.
• Keep containers in a closet, cupboard, or drawer away from heat, moisture, and UV exposure.
• Cool, dark storage is ideal. Avoid attics, garages, and rooms with windows. Temperatures above 85°F can deform balls.
• Use within 1-2 years for best results. Check annually and dispose of any visibly degraded beads.
• Consider adding desiccant packs to the storage container to absorb residual moisture.

When ready to use the beads again, simply add water and allow them to expand back to size overnight. Most brands recommend soaking them for at least 8 hours before use.

Creative Ways to Reuse Old Gel Balls

If your ammo stash has gotten old or low in quality, don’t be so quick to throw them out. With a little creativity, you can often find new uses for gel balls around the house. Here are some fun reuse ideas before disposal:

• Decorations – Drop some dye or glitter into rehydrated beads to make colorful decor for vases, centerpieces, or Christmas crafts.
• Sensory play – Gel balls provide hours of sensory stimulation for toddlers and children. Bury them in sand, float them in water, or use them along with other toys.
• Science experiments – Use them to teach kids about polymers, absorption, buoyancy, or other science concepts with some simple experiments.
• Soil amendment – Rehydrate beads and mix into potted plants as a way to aerate soil and retain moisture.
• Pet toys – Most gel beads are non-toxic if ingested. Scatter a few to create a fun tactile experience for pets, reptiles, or fish. Supervise to prevent choking hazards.
• Airsoft practice – Submerge a paper shooting target in beads. As they stick upon impact, it provides a satisfying visual indicator with each hit.

With a bit of ingenuity, you can often prolong the life cycle of old gel balls rather than throwing them in the trash.

Safe Disposal of Gel Balls

When it’s finally time to dispose of your ammo, it’s important to do so properly. Gel balls are entirely biodegradable and cause no harm to the environment. However, many common disposal methods will actually hinder their breakdown.

DO NOT attempt to dispose of gel balls by:

• Tossing them in the garbage – they can clog landfill equipment.
• Flushing down the toilet – they will swell and obstruct plumbing.
• Throwing in recycling – beads get sorted as contaminants.

The safest, eco-friendly disposal method is to bury them outdoors:

• Spread beads in your garden, flower beds, or planters.
• Mix them several inches down into the soil or sand.
• The porous structure benefits soil aeration and drainage.
• Natural bacteria will decompose the beads over time.
• Avoid dumping large quantities in one concentrated area.

You can also dissolve the beads in hot water before pouring the solution down the drain. This ensures they pass freely through plumbing.

Disposing of ammo properly keeps gel blaster activities environmentally friendly and reduces plastic waste. Always check local ordinances too regarding gel blaster usage and disposal.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Gel Balls

Gel balls are durable, but not indestructible. With heavy use, environmental exposure, and normal wear and tear, they eventually lose their functionality as ammunition.

Watch for these signs it’s time to throw away beads and replace them with fresh ammo:

• Dried out and brittle – No longer absorb water and expand. Easy to crush between fingers.
• Moldy or fouled – Contaminated with dirt, debris, algae, or bacterial/fungal growths. Give off foul odors.
• Melted/deformed – Exposure to high heat can melt beads together or cause permanent distortion.
• Changing shape – Ideal balls are perfectly round. Flattened shapes affect trajectory.
• Changing size – Both too small and overexpanded balls reduce accuracy.
• Changing colors – Fading or discoloration from UV light, dye, or chemicals.
• Worn textures – Smooth, pitted, cracked, or degraded surfaces.

Don’t compromise performance and safety. Inspect beads regularly and replace batches exhibiting these end-of-life signs. Dispose of the old ammo properly.

The Cost Savings of Reusing Gel Balls

For frequent gel blaster users, buying new ammo in bulk quantities can get expensive. The ability to reuse gel balls over multiple sessions provides great cost savings.

Here are some money-saving tips when reusing ammo:

• Buy premium beads in 5,000 to 10,000 count bags for the best longevity per piece.
• Opt for uncolored or white beads that resist sun damage better than dyed colors.
• Store leftover wet beads in an airtight bag so they don’t dry out between uses.
• Rotate through multiple batches to prolong overall life. Don’t just reuse the same beads.
• Inspect and pick out damaged beads after use to discard only a portion of each batch.
• Allow beads to fully dry before long term storage to maximize future reusability.
• Compare costs and research reviews rather than always buying the cheapest beads.

With proper care between uses, you can reuse quality gel balls for years before needing to buy more. And disposing of them properly keeps the hobby eco-friendly.

Conclusion

Gel balls provide an affordable alternative to Airsoft BBs and paintballs for recreational gel blaster use. Their ability to be reused over and over makes them extremely cost-effective for target practice and gel wars.

By allowing beads to dry fully before storage in an airtight, temperature-controlled container, you can revive them with water again and again. Get creative about reusing damaged ammo for crafts and experiments before disposing of it. And never throw gel beads in the trash – properly bury them instead.

With some simple maintenance practices, a single large supply of ammo can provide years of fun. Just be sure to replace beads once they become worn out or contaminated. Using fresh, high-quality gel balls improves accuracy and enjoyment of the sport.

So grab your gel blaster, stock up on some beads in bulk, and enjoy hours of affordable outdoor entertainment. Just remember to be a responsible and eco-friendly user by reusing and disposing of your ammo properly.