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.
Most waste disposal sites include a skip for scrap metal, where you can take blunt knives and other sharp kitchen implements.
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.
The recommended method is to wrap the knife in several layers of newspaper or cardboard, secure it with tape, and label it as “sharp objects” or “kitchen knives” to alert waste management personnel. Additionally, you can contact your local recycling centre or municipal waste management facility for specific guidelines.
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.
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.
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.
The best place to dispose of a knife is in a knife bin. These are safe and secure places to place unwanted knives or sharp items. Using the bins helps to keep unwanted knives off our streets. They are regularly emptied and the knives are destroyed, unless there is an obvious sign that it has been used in a crime.
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.
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.
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.
If your scissors are broken beyond repair, they can be recycled in the scrap metal container at the Household Recycling Centres.
Store safely: Place the knife somewhere safe, like a leather saya or a magnetic rack for storage.
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.
You can put the knives in your bin. It is advisable to ensure that they are packaged securely so as not to cause injury to any persons.
Cutlery in good condition can be donated to charity for reuse. Wooden disposable cutlery can be placed in a garden waste collection to be composted. Metal cutlery that is of no further use can be recycled with scrap metal at household waste recycling centres - find your nearest below.
Picking a Throwing Knife Target
While you can use trees (and many do), they are not usually ideal targets. Many trees are simply too hard and have the potential to destroy or damage your knives.
Throwing knives are commonly made of a single piece of steel or other material, without handles, unlike other types of knives. The knife has two sections, the "blade" which is the sharpened half of the knife and the "grip" which is not sharpened.
Maintain momentum through your shot, follow through. Upon release, don't flick your wrist or force the rotation of the knife. The momentum of your throw will automatically spin the knife around its axis without any added force applied.
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.”
These sharp objects can't be placed in the recycling bin you put out on the curb each week, though. Instead, knives should be taken to a scrap metal recycling center. You can contact your county or city government or visit their websites to determine if there is a nearby scrap metal recycling center.