How to Dispose of Razor Blades

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Has your razor blade seen better days? Here's how to safely dispose of it
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Whether your loose blade came from a safety razor, a disposable razor, or a utility knife – like an Xacto knife or a box cutter – you can dispose of it safely in 1 or 2 ways. The first option is to securely package up a single blade in stiff paper or cardboard. The second option is to designate a lidded container for the disposal of sharp objects, or sharps. Either way, seal up your container with duct tape and label it clearly. In most areas, it’s safe to include the container with the regular garbage.

Things You Should Know

  • Recycle your blade by wrapping it up with tape and taking it to a recycling facility that works with metals.
  • Wrap up single razor blades in heavy paper or cardboard and duct tape. Label the packet as a razor blade before tossing it out in the trash.
  • Toss out multiple razor blades by placing them in a sharps container. Once it's full, tape and label the container before throwing it out.
Section 1 of 3:

Can you recycle razor blades?

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  1. Yes, but you can't just put razors in your recycling bin. You're going to have to take it to a place that handles metal recycling. Once you've put tape over the razor, you can take it down to a recycling facility that handles metals and it will be machine sorted and properly recycled. [1]
    • See if your razor brand offers a recycling program. For instance, Gillette razor products can be recycled using the TerraCycle program. [2]
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Section 2 of 3:

Single Razor Blade Disposal

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    Tape the loose razor down onto a piece of cardstock or kraft paper. [3] Fold up the paper several times to conceal the entire blade, and duct tape the packet closed. Or tape the loose blade down securely onto a piece of cardboard that’s larger than the blade on all sides. Cover this up with another piece of cardboard and duct tape the packet shut. [4]
    • You may also tape a layer of cardboard to either side of the heavy paper bundle for additional protection.
    • Aim to keep the blade as securely packaged as possible. You don’t want to risk letting it come loose in the trash.
    • Cover up the entire blade with paper or cardboard so that nothing remains exposed.
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    Take a permanent marker and write your label directly onto the taped-up packet. Write the label on both sides of the packet to alert anyone who comes across is. [5]
    • This is especially useful for homes and workplaces where someone else might dump out or pick up the contents to dispose of them.
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    Once your loose razor blade has been safely and securely wrapped up and labeled, in most cases you can throw it away with the rest of your trash. [6]
    • Check to make sure this procedure complies with your local regulations before tossing the packet with the rest of the trash.
    • Visit your local government’s website or speak call the sanitation company that serves your neighborhood to learn about any specific waste regulations you should abide by.
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    You should never, under any circumstances, throw a loose razor blade into a wastebasket or garbage container without first packaging it up with paper or cardboard.
    • A loose razor blade can be extremely hazardous those who inhabit your space, as well as the sanitation workers who handle your waste. [7]
    • Shaving razors are also biohazardous and can spread disease if not disposed of correctly.
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Section 3 of 3:

Multiple Blade Disposal

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    Some shaving razor brands manufacture their own “blade banks” that fit the shape and size of their products. Or you can purchase a generic sharps disposal container for your razor blades from most office supply stores and drugstores. [8]
    • Sharps containers have a small lidded opening at the top through which you can drop in sharp objects.
    • They’re often red and feature clear biohazard labels to alert others. For examples, refer to the FDA’s guidelines on approved sharps containers. [9]
    • The advantage of a sharps container is that you can also use it for disposing of needles, thumbtacks, and other sharp, hazardous items.
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    [10] As an alternative to a purpose-built sharps container, designate a small, empty container to use as your “blade bank.” Choose a container that’s made of a non-breakable and puncture-proof material and should also come with a secure lid. Label it clearly as “old razor blades” or “sharps disposal” to alert others to its contents. [11]
    • Try a glass jar with a screw-on lid or a plastic safety-capped pill bottle. [12]
    • You could also pick up an aluminum can of broth and cut a slit in the top to drain out the liquid. Rinse it out and drop single razor blades through the slit.
    • A heavy-duty plastic piggy bank would also work. Just don’t use a ceramic bank since it could shatter.
    • Avoid using anything made of cardboard or thin plastic, like a drinking cup or water bottle, since the blades will puncture the sides of the container.
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    Some manufacturers sell new blades in a sturdy plastic container featuring a built-in disposal compartment. Typically the compartment will be located on the bottom of the container, with a thin slit on the side. Simply slide an old blade into the compartment when you go to take out a new one.
    • The old blades aren’t likely to fall out of the container, but you should still use caution when handling it. Store it upright so that neither the new blades nor the old ones can fall out.
    • If the blade packaging contains a disposal compartment, you won’t have to worry about purchasing or making your own disposal container.
    • Only use this method for the blades that came in the packaging; don’t try to insert other types of blades as they may not fit.
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    Whether you’ve chosen to use a sharps container or a homemade “blade bank,” keep it stored in a secure location to protect those around you. Make sure it can’t tip over or fall onto the floor, even if it has a tight lid. [13]
    • For a public space or workplace, consider storing your sharps container near the garbage cans. Direct people to dispose of razor blades in the designated sharps container through announcements and clearly marked wall signage.
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    Wrap the lid onto the container using duct tape. Make sure it’s on so securely that it can’t possibly come off. [14] Write “sharps disposal” or “used razor blades” on all sides of the container with a permanent marker. This will alert sanitation workers and anyone else who handles your garbage that the contents of the box are hazardous.
    • If you’re using a purpose-built sharps container, try your best not to cover over the biohazard labels with the duct tape.
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    Throw away the sealed sharps container with the regular trash . If your local regulations permit it, you may add a safely sealed and labeled sharps container in with the rest of your garbage. [15] Some government agencies, pharmacies, and other third-party organizations will accept and dispose of sealed sharps containers.
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      Tips

      • Research local razor disposal guidelines. In many areas, it’s illegal to recycle razor blades. Other areas may offer easy disposal programs. [17]
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      • Workplaces must carefully research and operate in accordance with the rules set by local authorities. In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets certain guidelines for the containment and disposal of razor blades in various workplaces. [18]
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      • Though these disposal methods do take a little effort, your first priority in getting rid of old razors should be the safety of others.
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      References

      1. ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/gillette#@40.77027075200147:-95.93705549677736zoom:4
      3. ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
      4. ↑ https://greenopedia.com/recycle-razor-blades/
      5. ↑ https://www.calgary.ca/UEP/WRS/Pages/What-goes-where/Shaving-razor-blades.aspx
      6. ↑ https://greenopedia.com/recycle-razor-blades/
      7. ↑ https://www.toolsofmen.com/how-to-dispose-of-razor-blades/
      8. ↑ https://www.toolsofmen.com/how-to-dispose-of-razor-blades/
      9. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safely-using-sharps-needles-and-syringes-home-work-and-travel/sharps-disposal-containers
      1. ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.calgary.ca/UEP/WRS/Pages/What-goes-where/Shaving-razor-blades.aspx
      3. ↑ https://www.toolsofmen.com/how-to-dispose-of-razor-blades/
      4. ↑ https://www.toolsofmen.com/how-to-dispose-of-razor-blades/
      5. ↑ https://www.calgary.ca/UEP/WRS/Pages/What-goes-where/Shaving-razor-blades.aspx
      6. ↑ https://www.calgary.ca/UEP/WRS/Pages/What-goes-where/Shaving-razor-blades.aspx
      7. ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
      8. ↑ https://greenopedia.com/recycle-razor-blades/
      9. ↑ https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2005-03-28
      10. ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.

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