Destruction is an effective method of reducing the actual number of weapons on the illicit market, as well as the potential supply of weapons to the illicit market. In contrast to other methods of disposal such as sale or gift, destruction ensures that small arms and light weapons will not find their way (back) into the illicit market and can thus build confidence in overall efforts to prevent, combat and eradicate their illicit trade.

Destruction can involve weapons relinquished by the civilian population as part of a weapons collection programme, recovered in crime, or identified as being surplus to the requirements of the armed services of a State.