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This article was co-authored by Mark Spelman and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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If you’re replacing your old kitchen knives, it’s important to get rid of the old ones properly. While you can toss your knives in the regular trash after wrapping them up (we'll describe exactly how to do this below), there are also other ways to recycle and donate your knives too. Keep reading, and we’ll cover the safest ways to get rid of your knives, plus how you can sharpen them if they’re dull.
How to Safely Dispose of Kitchen Knives
Tape newspaper around the blade, and then tape a piece of cardboard around it as well. Put the knives in a cardboard box, and they're safe to put in your trash bin. Alternatively, take the old knives to a waste collection site, a recycling center, or a donation center.
Steps
How to Throw Away Knives Properly
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![Step 1 Wrap the knife blades in newspaper and cardboard.]()
Wrap the knife blades in newspaper and cardboard. Wrap a few layers of newspaper around each knife, and tape it in place. Then, fold a piece of cardboard tightly around the knife. Tape around edges of the cardboard so the knife stays securely inside.[1]- If you want to ensure that the blade doesn’t cut through, blunt the blade by rubbing it on a harder surface or sanding it down.
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![Step 2 Seal the knives in a cardboard box and put it in your trash bin.]()
Seal the knives in a cardboard box and put it in your trash bin. Place the knives in another box or container, and write “SHARP” on the outside to warn sanitation workers. Toss the container in your trash bin so it’s picked up on the normal collection day.[2]- Alternatively, you can take the knives directly to a waste collection site if you don’t want to wait until trash day. Some sites may charge a disposal fee, but it’s usually free if you live in the area.
- Some areas have metal knife surrender bins in public areas. While these are normally for turning in weapons, they’re still a safe place to get rid of your kitchen knives. Check local law enforcement websites to see if there are any bins in your area.
- You may also take the knives to a police station if you’re worried about someone finding them in your trash. Call the station ahead of time and let them know you’re going to be bringing knives in for safe disposal. If they don’t accept knives, they’ll point you to the proper place to throw it away.
Revitalizing Old Knives
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![Step 1 Sharpen your knives at least once a year.]()
Sharpen your knives at least once a year. If your knives are slipping or struggling to cut through food, it’s time to sharpen them. Run the blade at a 20-degree angle against a whetstone, or press the blade into a knife sharpener and pull it towards you a few times.[5]- If you regularly use your knives, then you may need to sharpen them every few months.
- Clean your knives with gentle soap and dry them right away to help them maintain their edge.
- Try to store your knives on a magnetic strip on your wall to keep the blade the sharpest. If you need to store your knives in a drawer, put blade guards on them.
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![Step 2 Hone your knife...]()
Hone your knife once a week on a honing rod. Hold the honing rod vertically and press the bottom of the blade against it. Pull the knife up and down at a 15- to 20-degree angle to hone the blade. Put the knife on the other side of the rode and repeat the process.[6]- Honing your knives keeps the blade’s edge straight so it makes smooth cuts.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionShould I put old sharp knives in land fill bins or recycle them?
Mark SpelmanMark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
Construction ProfessionalI would recycle them.
Tips
Warnings
- Never put your knives in the trash unwrapped since you could injure yourself or someone else.[7]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://thetruthaboutknives.com/how-to-dispose-of-old-kitchen-knives-safely/
- ↑ https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02013
- ↑ https://thetruthaboutknives.com/how-to-dispose-of-old-kitchen-knives-safely/
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/safely-get-rid-of-old-kitchen-knives-23304441
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-sharpen-a-knife-and-hone-it-the-right-way-article
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-sharpen-a-knife-and-hone-it-the-right-way-article
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/safely-get-rid-of-old-kitchen-knives-23304441
About This Article
Before disposing your knife, use bubble wrap to safely coat the blade. Then, place the knife in a cardboard box, such as an old shoebox, for additional protection. If you don't have bubble wrap or cardboard, try covering the blade with newspaper or old clothes before putting it in the trash. Instead of throwing the knife in the garbage, contact your local recycling center to find out if they recycle knives or consider donating the knife to a local business, like the Salvation Army. To learn how to contact a professional knife sharpener or how to sell your knife for scrap metal, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"Many different options in disposal of old kitchen knives to keep the environment and its people safe. After reading this article I now know how to educate others should this be asked again by someone. I nearly dropped them to police."..." more
