How To Dispose Kitchen Knives – Tips and Guides

Originally posted on September 12, 2022 @ 7:34 am

If you’re looking for how to dispose kitchen knives, it’s essential to do so correctly. If you put them in the trash with other items, they could damage the blades and cut through the plastic bag before reaching a landfill. In addition, it is dangerous for those who may come across them and the wildlife that might try and eat the garbage where they are found. 

Besides, there are many options for disposal, including recycling, donating, and reusing. However, the best option is to take your old knives to a knife exchange for recycling or donating purposes. This post will outline steps on what you need to do with old kitchen knives so that everyone can be safe while using these sharp objects around the house.

Why Dispose of the Knife?

I have a question “what do you do with your knife after using it?” Most of us would answer, “I put it in the sink to be washed.” It’s an understandable response, but there is another option. Disposing of your knife by putting it into the trash can. Why is disposing of knives important?

The main reason is that Knives should never be thrown in the garbage. Doing so is not only illegal but can also lead to cross-contamination of food items and promote an unsanitary kitchen environment. 

Here are four reasons why you should dispose of your knives properly:    

 1) Knives can cause injury if mishandled.

 2) Knives can cause injury when they come into contact with other objects in the trash bin

 3) It’s against the law in most states to throw a knife away

 4) You don’t want someone else sticking their hand down your trash looking for something and then accidentally getting stabbed by your knife that was thrown away incorrectly.

Now, it’s time to solve the problem!

How To Dispose Kitchen Knives Properly?

I have for you 7 ways on how to dispose kitchen knives correctly that everyone will be satisfied. Let’s get started right now!

1. Donate your knives

Some organizations accept donations for kitchen knives. These items are then given out to people who need them or sold in auctions, going to a charity organization. This way, you can get rid of the old kitchen knives you don’t use anymore and make space in your home without hurting yourself.

If you are unsure how to do it, you can find some places where you can donate your old kitchen knives on the internet and access their website. 

2. Recycle your knives

Check with the local recycling center. Inquire whether your local recycling facility has facilities that could process sharp metal objects like knives. Ask them how they can be disposed of or if there are any hazardous waste disposal prohibitions.

Sharp metal objects should be placed in a cardboard box and placed inside, along with some newspaper to fill the space. Mark the words ‘SHARP’ on top of it, and if possible, describe what is inside the package. Make sure to seal them up so that they wouldn’t accidentally open when being transported.

Contact local metal shops. Some companies have separate facilities for recycling sharp metal objects like old knives, scissors, etc.

3. Take Your Knives To the Local Police Station

Police stations are willing to take knives from the community, as long as they are not illegal. Old rusty knives go directly into the recycling bin, while sharp ones should be put into a secondary bin and brought to police headquarters. The police station might then contact the appropriate recycling facility and have them pick up the knives.

Warning:  Do not dispose or sell your knives to metal recyclers who do not specialize in sharp objects. If they are stored incorrectly, it could damage their blades, ruin their handles, etc. In addition, it can increase the risk of injuries when they are being processed.

4. How To Dispose of Knives in the Trash

Permanently damaged or dirty knives that are not recyclable can be thrown into the regular trash. Do not wrap sharp knives individually. Otherwise, they could injure sanitation workers who process the items at landfills. Instead, wrap them in a thick plastic bag before putting them inside. 

Here are some right ways to wrap and through the knives in the trash:

1). Newspaper wrap: 

Wrap each knife individually using crumpled newspaper, making sure that the sharp edges are poked with 5-6 sheets. Wrap them up tightly and tape them. Write ‘SHARP’ on top of the package. Secure packages in a cardboard box using heavy and thick duty packing tape or duct tape if possible. Mark the word ‘SHARP’ as well.

2). Bubble wrap: 

Place them inside a plastic bag filled with bubble wrap, ensuring the edges are not sticking out. Then, wrap them up with strong packing tape or duct tape. Don’t forget to mark the word ‘SHARP’ in front of the package.

3). Cardboard wrap:

Cut a piece of cardboard for fitting inside the knife’s packaging. Then, use several layers of thick packing tape or duct tape to secure it well.

Wrap the blade in more pieces of cardboard, making sure that all sides are covered completely. Wrap with solid packing tape and duct tape at least two times. Next, wrap more bubble wrap on top of the blade, then wrap it with several layers of solid packing tape or duct tape to secure it all together.

4). Clothes wrap:

Wrap the blade in small clothes like socks, towels, etc. Then, wrap it up with several layers of packing tape or duct tape.

Sharp objects are dangerous and can cause serious injuries when not handled properly, so disposing of them is very important to keep everyone safe. This process should be done correctly and responsibly to avoid injuries and accidents.

5. Sell them off

Many people make blades/knives as their profession and might be interested in your old knives. You can inquire at your local metal shop if they know anyone interested. 

Besides, you might contact a recycling facility that deals with metal scraps to sell off your knives as scrap metals. They will offer you an amount per kilogram, which depends on the weight and type of scrap metal you are selling.

6. Knife sharpener

Before deciding to throw away your kife, you can consider renewing it. If your knives are slightly bent, have rust, and need to be sharpened or cleaned up, you can use a knife sharpener with suitable cleaning materials. If they’re highly damaged, visit an expert for restoration!

All you need for minor dents and surface rust is a sharpening stone to get rid of the damage. Meanwhile, for deep dents below the steel’s surface, you may want to have it repaired by a knife-smith who can straighten out your blade.

If it is impossible to save your knife, contact a knife sharpener who will buy your knives. They usually have their recycling facilities and can recycle old knives from customers.

7. Scrap knives blade

Sell your knives with their blades removed to a metal recycling facility. They will give you an amount depending on the weight and other specs of the scrap metal.

Hire a professional company that is willing to buy old knives from homeowners. You can also check online for specific companies that deal with this transfer of goods.

8. Replace with Stainless Knife

Knives are a kitchen essential that is used for cutting, slicing, and chopping. You cannot work without  even one second!

There are many different types of knives for replacing your old and dull knives whether it be a chef’s knife, carving knife or bread knife. In my opinion, the stainless steel knife will be the best choice for any user since Stainless steel is harder than regular metal so it will stay sharp for much longer. The knives come in different sizes so you can always get the right size for whatever you need to cut. You’ll be able to cut through any food with this new knife, no problem!

Please note that these knives are made from stainless steel, not silver and also they won’t make your food taste like metal. They’re completely safe.

To replace your rusted knives with new stainless steel ones, you can go through various markets online such as Amazon where you can find different brands and prices for them.

FAQs on How to Dispose Kitchen Knives

Are old kitchen knives recycles?

Yes, we send them to be recycled as mentioned. Old kitchen knives can be recycled as long as they are free from any other material like rubber, wood, or bone and are separated from the plastic handle. If you have an item that is primarily steel but has a non-steel material on the part of it (like a rubber grip), that portion cannot be recycled and should not be included in your recycling bin.

Does Goodwill take cooking knives?

I’m not sure. You might want to call your local Goodwill and ask them if they accept cooking knives or weapons of any kind as donations. Usually, they accept as long as it is not any weapon such as swords.

Can I put the old kitchen knives in the bin?

Please do not throw away your blades in the bins provided for general waste! Instead, please send them to us where they will be recycled and reused. Kitchen knives made of steel and other metals have to be recycled separately.

Blades cannot go in the general trash bin without cover and note carefully- they need to be disposed of correctly at a recycling depot or sent back to the manufacturer for reuse. They are not part of general waste as they contain valuable resources which should not be sent to landfills.

When metal knives are put into the recycling bin, they can contaminate other steel products, which means valuable resources are lost for good. That’s why kitchen knives such as blades must go in a dedicated bin.

Can I bring a kitchen knife on the street to the recycling center or donate it?

Yes, as long as you are carrying it in the sheath. When carrying knives, remember to wrap them up securely. You can carry a kitchen knife or have one with you “for a good reason.” 

Please don’t hold it in your hand or keep it easily accessible (e.g., in a bag). If caught without wrapping the blade up correctly, and sometimes even if you are using the right kind of covering/wrapping material but not storing it correctly, imprisonment will result.

Conclusion 

The knives we use in the kitchen are an essential part of our daily lives, it’s essential to know how to dispose kitchen knives when they become old and no longer usable so that you aren’t putting yourself or others at risk. 

With a number of options available, it’s easy to get confused about how best to dispose of old kitchen knives. If you have a large number of knives that need disposing of, consider donating them to your local food pantry or shelter. For those with fewer items and looking for an environmentally friendly option, recycle the blades by grinding them into metal filings at a recycling center then selling the filings as scrap metal. Finally, if there are no other disposal options available such as at work or in public places like parks and playgrounds, drop off any unwanted knife blade-down into any police station lobby during business hours.

If you have any other tips on disposing of old knives, please share them with us! We would love to hear from everyone who uses their kitchen knife every day about what helps keep these tools sharp and effective.

You can also find information about what happens if someone doesn’t dispose of their old knife correctly on our blog. So make sure you take time next time you need to get rid of an old knife because these tips might be helpful.