Can you dispose of knives at the dump?

Author: Sigrid Kertzmann  |  Last update: Saturday, November 22, 2025

A quick internet search will help you find the closest transfer station or scrap metal recycling facility. You can also check your town, city or state website for guidance, as many town dumps or city transfer stations recycle scrap metal. However, that doesn't mean you should just bring a pile of knives to the dump.

How do you throw away knives?

Use a Hard Container: Place the wrapped knives in a sturdy container, such as a plastic or metal box. Label the container clearly as ``sharp objects'' to warn others. Trash Disposal: Once securely wrapped and contained, you can dispose of the knives in your regular trash.

How do you get rid of a set of knives?

Most waste disposal sites include a skip for scrap metal, where you can take blunt knives and other sharp kitchen implements.

How do I dispose of old knives near me?

Drop-off Locations:
  • Los Angeles County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events.
  • Los Angeles County Environmental Permanent Collection Centers.
  • City of Los Angeles SAFE Centers.
  • Los Angeles County Dept. ...
  • County of Los Angeles Sheriff Stations.
  • Pharmaceutical and Sharps Waste Stewardship - CalRecycle Home Page.

Does Goodwill take old knives?

Wondering if you can donate knives to Goodwill? The charity typically accepts the knives you keep in your kitchen, but can't take hunting knives off your hands for safety reasons. Some of these dangerous items have specific disposal methods, so check out the following tips to see how to get rid of them safely.

HOW WE MAKE MONEY $$ FROM SAWDUST: a byproduct of the mill

Where can I bin old knives?

Label the box if possible and place it at the top of your wheelie bin to inform the waste management team about its contents. Recycling is a more sustainable choice if your kitchen knife is entirely made of metal. Take it to your local recycling centre and deposit it in the scrap metal bin.

Does the Salvation Army take kitchen knives?

If you have knives that are still in working order, donating them can be your best option. Kiele-Jael Stanton, a certified health-supportive chef and wellness culinary coach, says, “If you have knives that you don't want anymore, you can donate them to companies like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or secondhand stores.”

Is it illegal to throw away knives?

But as you upgrade your knife game, you may find yourself ready to dispose of old kitchen knives that have seen better days. Hold on, though! You can't simply toss sharp objects directly into the garbage can, even if they seem like they're too dull to cut someone.

Can stainless steel cutlery be recycled?

Many recyclable items have abysmally low rates of being recycled except for steel. According to the International Stainless Steel Forum, 80-90% of stainless steel is recycled. It can be recycled without degradation.

What is the best knife sharpener?

Let's Cut to the Chase: The Best Knife Sharpeners
  • Shun Cutlery Combination Whetstone. ...
  • Smith's CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener. ...
  • AccuSharp 001C Knife Sharpener. ...
  • Work Sharp Professional Electric Culinary E5 Kitchen Knife Sharpener. ...
  • Homly Professional Electric Knife Sharpener.

Do knives go bad?

One of the most common ways kitchen knives get dull is through friction while cutting. Any time you slice, chop, or crush food with your knife's edge, some microscopic bits of metal get rubbed off the blade. This abrasion gradually rounds off the sharp cutting edge through repeated use.

Can you give kitchen knives to charity shops?

Options also exist online such as Freecycle or local social media groups of people looking for kitchen items. Always call or research ahead to check their policies and be sure to disclose that you are donating knives. You might also find that some local charity shops take knives.

Where should you never leave a knife?

Do not leave the knife near the edge of counters or tables or in a sink full of soapy water. Use knives only for cutting food. Carry knives with the blade pointed downward. Keep knives sharp.

What knives can be thrown?

There are a few regular knives that may hold well over time if thrown. Heavier knives work very well, given they do not bend with ease. Kitchen knives are usually stainless steel, but if at least 3mm thick, they work reasonably better than other knives. Old butcher knives are heavy-duty, cut down to around 6-8 inches.

Where do you throw a throwing knife?

Generally for a half rotation spin, you will want to be about six feet from your target. (experiment with different distances to find your "sweet spot"). Next, grip your knife with blade facing you (handle towards the sky). Throw the knife at your target with moderate force.

How do you pack away knives?

Sort knives into categories (i.e. butter knives, steak knives, and large knives live chef's and carving knives). Put covers on any knives that have them. Place down two to three layers of packing paper. Put your knives down on the paper leaving about one to two inches between each.

How do you dispose of old kitchen knives?

Secure this with strong tape to ensure that the blade stays well wrapped. For further safety, place the wrapped blade into a padded envelope, bubble wrap or plastic box – tape it all again, before labelling it “Caution Sharp Blade”. It can then be placed into the non-recyclable waste bin, along with your other rubbish.

Can I put stainless steel in the recycling bin?

Some communities provide special recycling bins where you can dump items such as glass, aluminum, and stainless steel. Separately, of course. You can choose to go that route, separating your stainless steel into other refuse bags before you take out the trash.

How much is stainless steel worth in scrap?

What are Stainless Steel Prices Per Pound? At the time of publishing (late January 2022) stainless steel prices per pound sit at $0.64. However, there are several different categories and types of stainless steel and we'll tell you about their current prices too.

Can garbage trucks see what you throw away?

Garbage trucks have cameras to record our garbage in the hopper before it's mixed with the neighbors garbage. The clamp also has a built in digital scale to weigh the can before it's dumped. Most garbage collectors have a weekly weight limit of about 90 pounds.

How to dispose of old shampoo?

Empty the products into the trash and wash containers and recycle or reuse. Never dump down the drain. That is extremely harmful to the environment.

Can you put knives in the garbage?

If all else fails, your knives are destined for the trash

But, you shouldn't simply toss them into the can—that's dangerous. Start by wrapping your knives in several layers of newspaper. Then, find a piece of cardboard that's more than twice the depth of the blade.

What clothing items should not be donated?

Clothes that should not be donated to a second hand store include ripped, stained, damaged or dirty items. You should not donate used items and clothes in poor condition because these items cannot be resold. Instead, damaged or dirty clothes should be recycled, upcycled or disposed of.

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