What Is the Safest Way to Throw Away Old Knives?
Good knives have a long shelf life if you take care of them: wash them by hand, store them in a specially designated place and keep them sharp . Even dull blades can be saved.
But if you want to upgrade to better quality knives, you need to carefully dispose of the ones you no longer need. Do not throw them in the trash without any protection. Here’s the safest way to throw away old knives, according to Bob Veal .
Close the knives.
Regardless of how you end up disposing of your old knives, you need to pack them carefully. Otherwise, they are more likely to cut through garbage bags or be dangerous to those who work with them.
First, wrap the blade with several layers of newspaper or wrapping paper and secure the paper with tape. Then, cut a piece of cardboard that is at least twice the length of the blade, and fold the cardboard in half over the wrapped blade with the sharp side facing inward in the fold. Wrap the cardboard with tape to keep the knife in place.
Once your knives are securely packed, you can dispose of them in one of the following ways.
How to sell your knives
Knives in good condition, especially from well-known brands such as Wustof, may be in demand on your local classifieds site or Facebook Marketplace. This is most likely an option if your blades are intact and sharp and you just want to upgrade your own set. Check other posts to see how much yours is worth.
How to donate your knives
If your knives can still be used with some TLC, one option is to donate them to donation sites like Goodwill or non-profit or start-up kitchens that accept used equipment neatly. A friend or family member who cooks at home can also take them out of your hands.
How to dispose of your knives
Scrap metal recycling centers can accept old knives. Do a quick Google search to find scrap metal companies in your area. You will need to know what metal your knives are made of when you call.
How to throw away knives
The last option, and possibly the last resort, is to throw away your old knives. This may be the best choice if the blades are chipped or broken and cannot be used safely. Before throwing them in the collection bin, seal the wrapped knives in a cardboard box with thick tape.