how to dispose of old knives

Nurse_Bambi

I'm having a kitchen clear out prior to moving. I've got a few gadgets etc to sell at a car boot but I have loads of old knives that I haven't used in years that I don't want. (part of naff knife sets that I've been given as gifts over the years!) Some are big meaty chefs knives and I feel it would be irresponsible to try and sell them at the car boot. I was wondering how to dispose of them. Is it ok to just wrap them well and put them in the weekly household waste? I feel a bit uneasy about doing that! Any suggestions?

thanks

Pink.

Hi Nurse_Bambi,

What about putting them on your local Freecycle? There must be someone out there who would be glad of them.

Pink

frugglewump

Give them to a charity shop?

Yes, they'll still get sold, but the shop is more likely to have an enclosed display case or something to deal with knives.

sparklymessygirl

Hi there,

Coincidentally, I have been thinking of getting rid of one knife I do not like to use. My neighbour who is a former butcher gave all his old ones including cleaver to the police during a knives amnesty. I think I am going to give mine in to the police too - saves me worrying.

Sparkly

Gingham_Ribbon

I'm not sure what the law is. I know it's an offence to sell knives to under 16s. If you were giving them away, it's easy enough to check their age so freecycle is a good option. I know what you mean about worrying about who they're going to though. I'm sure the police station nearby will happily take them off your hands. Especially as there's been a knife amnesty lately.

newleaf

Being a nurse, I've always taken mine to work and put them in the 'Sharps' container with the syringes & needles for incineration.

LizD_2

A bin man in our area was badly injured by a knife that was put into the rubbish. The muscles and tendons in his hand were lacerated and he now can't use his hand properly. Definetely a good idea to give them to the police.

aimeelister

I had never even thought of taking them to the police. I have previously wrapped them up in loads of newspaper all selotaped together before adding them to the rubbish.

Chubacheroo

We've got a couple of really long bladed knives which we'd like to get rid of as we're a bit nervy of the whole safety thing - especially with a little one on the way.

Is there any particular way one would go about this? I don't really want to give them away to charity etc...as I'm not entirely sure it's allowed or that I'd be comfortable with that. Surely it can't just go in the rubbish, being a safety thing..can anyone help with ideas?

cheers!

Pink.

Hi Chubacheroo,

We have a thread on the disposal of knives that may help you, so I've merged your thread with it to keep all the suggestions together.

Pink

Seakay

Found this article re the amnesty:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/5180954.stm

but if you Google metal recycling London then you get quite a few hits; I would suggest phoning the facility nearest to you and seeing if they have a suggestion that would be helpful.