How to Throw Away Knives Properly
Wrap the knife blades in newspaper and cardboard. Wrap a few layers of newspaper around each knife, and tape it in place. Then, fold a piece of cardboard tightly around the knife. Tape around edges of the cardboard so the knife stays securely inside. If you want to ensure that the blade doesn’t cut through, blunt the blade by rubbing it on a harder surface or sanding it down.
Seal the knives in a cardboard box and put it in your trash bin. Place the knives in another box or container, and write “SHARP” on the outside to warn sanitation workers. Toss the container in your trash bin so it’s picked up on the normal collection day. Alternatively, you can take the knives directly to a waste collection site if you don’t want to wait until trash day. Some sites may charge a disposal fee, but it’s usually free if you live in the area. Some areas have metal knife surrender bins in public areas. While these are normally for turning in weapons, they’re still a safe place to get rid of your kitchen knives. Check local law enforcement websites to see if there are any bins in your area. You may also take the knives to a police station if you’re worried about someone finding them in your trash. Call the station ahead of time and let them know you’re going to be bringing knives in for safe disposal. If they don’t accept knives, they’ll point you to the proper place to throw it away.
Recycling Old Knives
Drop the knives off at a local recycling center. While you can’t put your knives into a curbside recycling bin, most areas have recycling plants that accept them. Call the recycling centers in your area and confirm they accept old kitchen knives. If they do, wrap the blades in a few layers of newspaper and cardboard and secure them with tape. Then, drop the knives off at the center. Some recycling centers charge a fee when you take your knives in, either by weight or the number of items. Look up "recycling center" and the name of your city to find the closest facilities to you. Recycling your knives ensures the materials get reused rather than put into a landfill.
Take your knives to a metal scrap yard to earn extra money. Check online to see if there are any scrap yards in your area and call them to ask if they’ll take your used knives. Bring the blades in to have them assessed and sell them for their value in scrap. Scrap yards accept any type of metal, but knives made with thicker metal may be more valuable than smaller ones.
Donating and Selling Knives
Take your knives to a thrift store or community shelter. Thrift stores, charities, and shelters all typically accept kitchen knives, but call ahead of time to find out for sure. Wrap the knives’ blades in newspaper and cardboard and tape them securely to prevent injuries. Place the knives in a clear container and take them to their new home. Look up "thrift stores" or "community center donations" in your area to find out which places will take your knives. Always wash your knives before giving them away because places may not accept them if they’re.
Sell your knives online or at a garage sale. If your old knives are still in good condition, you could make some money by reselling them. Ask people you know first if they need any knives before listing them online to places like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. If you have other items you want to sell, you may even host a garage sale to sell to members of your community. If you’re not getting any interest in your knives, check for knife sharpening shops near you. They may sometimes buy old knives to use as spare parts.
Revitalizing Old Knives
Sharpen your knives at least once a year. If your knives are slipping or struggling to cut through food, it’s time to sharpen them. Run the blade at a 20-degree angle against a whetstone, or press the blade into a knife sharpener and pull it towards you a few times. If you regularly use your knives, then you may need to sharpen them every few months. Clean your knives with gentle soap and dry them right away to help them maintain their edge. Try to store your knives on a magnetic strip on your wall to keep the blade the sharpest. If you need to store your knives in a drawer, put blade guards on them.
Hone your knife once a week on a honing rod. Hold the honing rod vertically and press the bottom of the blade against it. Pull the knife up and down at a 15- to 20-degree angle to hone the blade. Put the knife on the other side of the rode and repeat the process. Honing your knives keeps the blade’s edge straight so it makes smooth cuts.
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