Kitchen knives are back in the limelight with recent discussions raging over proposed mail order restrictions. But with no changes decided yet, its time to address another popular knife-related query: 'How Do You Dispose of Your Kitchen Knives?' And more to the point, how do you do this as safely as possible?
It is possible simply to throw your old knives in the bin, if they are thoroughly wrapped. However, there are several other ways to ensure your old knives are disposed of safely.
Donate
Arguably the best thing you can do with your old knives is give them to someone who will still get some use out of them. This could be a charity shop, professional knife sharpener or a website such as Freecycle (there are many alternatives). If choosing the latter option, just take care to confirm the recipient's age to satisfy any legal requirements.
You can also 'surrender' your knife by delivering it to a knife amnesty bin. Check with your local police station for more details.
You can also 'surrender' your knife by delivering it to a knife amnesty bin. Check with your local police station for more details.
Recycle
The steel of your knife's blade can be melted down and re-used. But recycling is the last of the three R's - Reduce, Re-use, Recycle.
This means if you can find a way to re-purpose the knife instead, you'll be making a more valued contribution to energy saving. Stainless steel is still an attractive material to any recycling facility due to its valuable elements including chromium, nickel and molybdenum.
This means if you can find a way to re-purpose the knife instead, you'll be making a more valued contribution to energy saving. Stainless steel is still an attractive material to any recycling facility due to its valuable elements including chromium, nickel and molybdenum.
Dispose
Finally, if you must discard your knives they will need to be heavily wrapped and secured to avoid any potential injury during bin collections.
Start by wrapping the knife using paper, bubble wrap, cardboard or Styrofoam. Secure the wrapping with tape and place a cork on the tip of the blade if possible. Next, find a puncture-proof container for the knives and mark it clearly with 'Caution: Sharp'. You can then place the container into your refuse.
Start by wrapping the knife using paper, bubble wrap, cardboard or Styrofoam. Secure the wrapping with tape and place a cork on the tip of the blade if possible. Next, find a puncture-proof container for the knives and mark it clearly with 'Caution: Sharp'. You can then place the container into your refuse.
Never a Dull Moment
Don't chuck out your knife set just yet! How are the edges of each blade? As the edge becomes blunted you will notice a drop-off in performance, but that doesn't mean they are beyond salvage. To restore a completely blunt edge, you'll need an abrasive diamond steel, which needn't break the bank.
Alternatively, retire your old knives using one of the methods listed above and bring a fresh set to the table.
Alternatively, retire your old knives using one of the methods listed above and bring a fresh set to the table.
