Recycling razor blades

Question

I use a double edge safety razor and am wondering what is the best (most eco-friendly) way of disposing of the razor blades? Can they be recycled? If so, I am worried about just throwing them in the recycle bin - won't someone that is processing the recycling hurt themselves?

any ideas?

Thanks!

Answer 1

All steel can be recycled but use common sense not to hurt anyone.

Answer 2

personally, I wouldn't want to find them in a recycling bin. I used to sort recycled metals and plastics. I find it incredibly irresponsible for someone to do something like that. You don't throw needles in a recycling bin, or other medical waste. How is it any different if someone cuts themselves shaving or sticks themselves with a needle. You don't know what they might have, it's totally disgusting. Because of finding stuff like that, along with urine filled beer cans, dirty diapers and numerous other things, I quit that job for my own safety. Put them in a milk carton and throw them out. If you want to be "green" about shaving, have your neighborhood barber shave you. Or go and buy a straight razor and learn how to use it and sharpen it yourself. But whatever you decide, please for the safety of everyone who has to sort your trash, Do Not just throw them in with your other recyclables, If you must use them and don't want to just throw them away, seal them in a plastic container and find somewhere that accepts medical waste like used needles and used lancets.

Answer 3

Hi,  instead of just recycling the blades you use, how about taking it one step further and drastically  reducing the amount of blades/razors you use?

"Save A Blade" razor sharpener is a gizmo that really works.  I had eyed the darn thing at Walgreen's and Wal-Mart for some time, but I was pessimistic.  Well, after eying the darn thing for some 2 months, I finally broke down and bought one.  I was figuring I would be returning the item because it doesn't work. Well I got a surprise.

The things works great.  

I have a heavy beard and shave my head.  I works great, just follow the instructions.  I use disposable Gillette Mach III's.  I haven't had to buy a new razor or throw one away since I bought it.

The manufactorer claims it works on all razor except for the Quarto.  Remember, Wal-mart and Walgreen's  have a pretty good return policy.  Razors are so darn expensive the sharpener pays for itself in about 6 months.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I use razor blades in my business so I have lots of them. I put them in a transparent jar and cap it than just send it of  I would hope that the recycle center is smart enough to know what to do with them but I am also going to look for that razor sharpener.  actually re-sharpened blades usually have a better edge than factory edges.  

Answer 5

If your recycler accepts tin cans  take a tin can that is half full of razor blades, fold the sides in to keep them from escaping, and recycle as steel.

Just do that folding in of the can with care that you do not hurt yourself.

Answer 6

The recycling center that takes your curbside bin won't recycle them. They are too small and will get lost in the residue from processing tons of material that is a lot larger, like bottles and cans and newspaper. But they take up very little space in the landfill.  

Answer 7

I think you should wrap them in tape and throw them in the regular trash (non rec's)