How to Dispose of Old Kitchen Knives Safely

When it comes time to replace your old kitchen knife, the natural reaction may be to just throw it in the garbage. Doing so, however, could cause injury or even be against the law. Instead of throwing your old knives away, it's possible to donate them to a thrift store or food kitchen. If donation is not an option and you need to dispose of the knives, following proper procedure can save others from injury.

Things You'll Need

• Empty laundry detergent or bleach container.
• Duct tape
• Permanent marker
• Cardboard
• Scissors

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut two pieces of cardboard, each large enough to cover the blade of the knife. Place one piece on each side of the knife blade and wrap the cardboard thoroughly with tape to secure it. Doing so helps to ensure no one will get cut it they do come into contact with the knife.

• 2

  Put the wrapped knife into the empty detergent, bleach or other puncture proof container. It is best to use a non-recyclable container, made out of thick plastic or metal. One the outside on the container, use the marker to write "Do not recycle" and "Sharps." Marking the outside of the container alerts sorters, garbage men and others to use precaution.

• 3

  Place the lid back on the container and use the duct tape to firmly secure it. Even if the container features a screw-on lid, you still need to wrap it with additional tape both to deter people from opening it and serve as a warning sign of the contents.