One of the major benefits for switching to a safety razor, is that the blades are fully recyclable. But because of their small size and sharp edges, they can be dangerous to handle and can cause damage to recycling machinery and the individuals that sort recycling. So, what can we do to make sure that our used razor blades are disposed of safely and responsibly? Here are a few ways to properly dispose of safety razor blades:
- Recycling varies from city to city, so it's important to contact your local recycling program or waste management facility. Many cities and towns have programs in place for scrap metal recycling. Contact your local program to find out if they accept used blades and how to properly prepare them for their facility.
- Participate in our razor blade take-back program! We accept any brand of double or single-edged safety razor blades but the used blades must be stored in our blade bank tin for the safety of our staff. Once the tin or several tins are full, tape the tin shut, put in an envelope or box and send to our office and we will recycle them for you:
3975 W Quail Ave. Ste. 5 Las Vegas, NV 89118 - Utilize the Terracycle blade take-back program. They take back any and all blades and packaging and recycle them for you. This is a great option if you have old plastic razors that need disposal as well.
- Tape them up and toss them in the trash. I know, I know, not the best option. BUT it's still less waste than tossing disposable blades and all the plastic packaging that comes with it. So if you're traveling or if recycling is not available in your area, the blades can be safely disposed of by wrapping them in tape (try masking tape for a plastic-free option) and placing them in the trash.
- Dispose of them at a nearby sharps disposal. "Sharps disposal containers" are designed to safely contain and transport any sharps (needles, razors, lancets, etc) for proper disposal, and are often available to the public at local pharmacies or hospitals. The sharps containers are made of puncture-resistant plastic and have a tight-fitting lid to prevent sharp objects from harming sanitation workers. Just an fyi that this option also ends in a landfill and they will not get recycled.
By switching to one of our reusable safety razors, you'll be reducing so much waste and saving money no matter which method of disposal you choose. By following these simple steps, we can all do our part to ensure that our used razor blades are disposed of safely and responsibly. It is always better to be informed and be responsible with the things we consume and how we dispose them.
Remember that we all have a role to play in protecting our Mother Earth, and small steps matter.
