Nancy, I would do a "test" to check any old bean seeds we had. Using 10 seeds makes the math easy, wrap the seeds in some damp paper, place them into a plastic bag, set somewhere warm and start checking for any sprouts in the three or four days, if no sign after about 10 days, forget trying to plant those seeds!!
I would also "test" any off site material given to us for garden use. Prepare a few small cups with the material and drop a fresh green bean seed into each. Wait for the plants to appear, observe the overall plant growth, any of the "forever" chemicals in the off site material will show very stunted growth patterns.
Heddwch