Nowadays, kitchen knives have become a household essential. You can never go wrong with owning a knife or two. But over time, they will accumulate.
So, if you are planning to buy a good quality kitchen knife, you should take the time to learn how to dispose of your old knives properly. Besides being useful in the kitchen, they can also pose a danger outside if not disposed of properly.
Therefore, it is essential to dispose of this cutter safely. It is not wise to throw them into the trash can because this can cause injuries to people. Here’s how to do it right!
Why Knives Become Damaged?
According to research by the National Safety Council, nearly 40% of all kitchen knives have been damaged, with most of those instances happening during the cleaning process.
And the fact is, even though we all know that knives can quickly become damaged if not properly cleaned after use, many people simply don’t clean them, often leaving the problem for someone else to deal with. But if you want to help prevent your knives from being damaged, you should consider cleaning them yourself and most frequently.
Related: A Complete List Of Kitchen Accessories
How To Dispose of The Kitchen Knife to Save Anyone From Danger?
There is a common misconception about knife disposal. We think that if we throw it in the garbage, it’ll just be taken care of and disposed of appropriately. But that isn’t always the case, especially with knives that can still be used and have sharp edges. There’s actually a particular category in the trash bin specifically designated for those types of kitchen knives.
We will discuss the basic rules of kitchen knife safety and proper disposal. But first, you need to confirm two things:
- Can You Donate Your Knives?
- Can You Recycle Your Knives?
Here is how you can do it!
Donating Your Knives
If you get a new set of knives, don’t throw out the old ones; they’ll come in handy again someday. You never know when you might need to cut up your vegetables or slice your ham for dinner. Donate the old knife set to a shelter or a food bank. You’re helping others while still getting the same use of the tools you’ve got.
If your old ones are still in good condition and can be used for several purposes, giving them to a new kitchen will work well. Better to clean them before sending them to the new owner, and if possible, go the extra mile and sharpen the blade if you find the knife sharpener handy.
Recycling Your Knives
Recycling is a great way to save money and the planet. But if you don’t have a knife-recycling centre, you can always take your old knives to a local scrap metal dealer and get cash for them. You will save money and help the environment by reducing the need for new steel and energy in manufacturing.
If none of the above ways works, disposing of your knife is better.
Proper Way to Dispose of Your Knife
If your knife has sharp edges or is otherwise dangerous, you should go in a proper way to dispose of it safely.
Step 1: Wrap Blade in Paper
There are some ways to ensure that you dispose of your knife correctly. One of the best ways is to wrap its blade in a piece of paper. This ensures that the blade doesn’t scratch the cutting surface and provides a barrier between the knife handle and the knife itself.
Step 2: Tape The Knife to the Cardboard
It’s a good idea to wrap your knife in a protective covering, so it doesn’t become dull or sticky. A good option is cardboard. The cardboard should be cut in half and folded back on itself to make a little box. Then the knife is wrapped in the cardboard and taped closed.
Step 3: Put in the Sealed Bag
Put it in a sealed or plastic container (such as a Ziploc bag) that is appropriately labelled, and store it in a safe place. If you do not seal it properly, there is a chance that the knife will be used again, which can be dangerous.
Step 4: Write “Sharp” on it Clearly
Now Write “Sharp” on the sealed bag to be extra cautious and save someone from mishandling the knife bag.
Step 5: Throw it in the Thrash
Once you have taken all the precautionary measures, now is the time to throw the knife-sealed bag into the trash bin.
Knife Saving Tips
If you want your knives to last a long time, Follow these few simple tips:
- Never put knives away in the drawer with anything metal. In fact, keep them separate from any metal-related objects.
- Try to store your knives with the blade down. That will prevent the blade from hitting anything else.
- In the same vein, always use the sharpest knife possible.
- Don’t leave them in water. When cleaning, put the knife on a dry surface.
- Using a plastic cover when storing them will prevent them from rusting.
- Clean them often: Clean knives using a proper knife cleaner.
FAQs
Can I throw knives in the garbage directly?
Yes, you can throw knives in the garbage directly, as long as it has been properly packed and put in a sealed bag. Just be sure that no sharp metal pieces are left outside on the knife, or the knife might cut the hand.
Conclusion
Things have a lifespan, and at a point, they need to get disposed of. When it comes to knives, we need to be extra cautious.
If donating or recycling are not good-to-go options, then the best way to dispose of your knives is to contact your local waste disposal service.
Packing and sealing them properly and then placing the knife into a large trash bin can save others from a lot of hazards. If you don’t have access to a trash can, you could try throwing the knife into a river or stream.
Or, if you have access to a fireplace, you could throw the knife into a metal fireplace grate. Get rid of kitchen knives without causing harm and avoid the risk of injury.
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