How to Dispose of Kitchen Knives Safely (A Must Read!)

The knife drawer is one of the most important areas of any kitchen. No chef can whip up culinary masterpieces without a trusty sharp knife in his toolbox. However, every tool has a shelf life and kitchen knives are no different. When that terrible moment arrives and you finally admit that you need to get rid of your favorite knife and invest in a new one, you will face more problems than just the stress of having to choose a new kitchen knife.

Although used frequently, knives are still dangerous objects and the disposal of them needs to reflect the danger that they pose. The first thing you need to do is to actually decide whether or not it’s really necessary to fully get rid of them altogether. Your knife may not be up to your standards anymore, but your trash may be another man’s treasure.

How to get rid of old Kitchen Knives

Think before you dispose of your old kitchen knives. By following some or all of my below tips you could potentially stop someone becoming hurt.

1. Donate Your Old Kitchen Knives

If your knives are still in a usable condition but just quite up to par for your culinary exploits that donating them is probably the easiest way to get rid and to do a little good in the process. First of all it’s important to check that your local thrift store will actually accept sharp items such as kitchen knives, as different companies may have different policies regarding this. Once you have determined that your knives are able to be donated, give them a good wash and a spruce up, and wrap them up safely for delivery.

2. Recycle Your Old Kitchen Knives

If you are sure that your knife has ended its life of cutting and slicing and is no longer sharp, and therefore isn’t in a good enough condition to be donated then you could consider recycling it instead. It may be that there are some parts of the knife that are still in good condition, such as the handle and could make great recycled materials. Simply give your knives a good clean, wrap them up safely and drop them off at your local recycling center.

3. Safely Dispose of Your Old Kitchen Knives Safely

If the options of donating and recycling your old kitchen knives really doesn’t appeal to you, then you can simply get rid of them altogether, but you need to make sure you do it in a safe way. It is a good idea to check with your local authority before you put any sort of sharp object in your general bin, as policies may vary depending on the area that you live in.

It may be that you need to take your knives to a dedicated sharps area, however in most cases you will be able to include them in your general garbage, you just need to ensure that there is no danger of anyone getting hurt during the process of disposal.

Wrap Your Knives Before Disposal

When you are disposing of old kitchen knives the best way to ensure that nobody gets hurt is simply by wrapping them up. There are two common methods to do this.

✓ Wrap Old Knives With Newspaper

Take a generous section of newspaper. On average, you will need at least 5 to 6 sheets to ensure there is appropriate padding. Wrap these sheets around the blade of the knife and make sure to cover all of the edges, leaving no area of the bade exposed. However, it is a good idea to leave the handle exposed so it’s obvious that the item is a knife and anyone handling it can take the appropriate care. Tape the newspaper in place securely. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of tape as its important the newspaper stays in place during transit.

✓ Wrap Old Knives With Cardboard

For a more secure wrapping you could use cardboard. Cardboard is a much more sturdy material so wrapping your old knife in this will make it much safer. Obviously, cardboard is not anywhere near as flexible as newspaper so you need to be a bit more innovative using this technique. Take a piece of cardboard that is over double the size of the knife and a couple of inches longer. Lay the knife on one half with the blade facing the edge. Fold the cardboard over so the knife is encased. Secure the two edges of cardboard all the way around with sticky tape, and your knife is ready for disposal.

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Andy Nash

Andy Nash is a highly experienced chef with over 15 years of experience in kitchens around the world. He has developed a passion for kitchen knives and their importance in the kitchen. Through his blog, Andy shares his expertise on everything related to kitchen knives, from the various types available to the best way to care for and sharpen them. With his extensive knowledge and years of experience, Andy is dedicated to helping others improve their culinary skills and elevate their cooking game.

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