Disposing of used DE blades

I have a years worth of used blades I have to dispose of. I don't want to throw them into the garbage and become a hazard to sanitation workers or pets at the dump. I was originally planning to put them into a sharpies container and bring it to the drug store to have them destroyed, but in total (the container+disposal fee) is out of my budget at the moment.

If I put them into a tin can and put them into recycling, is this an ethical way to dispose of them? Will they become a hazard to workers, etc?

Get a can of evaporated milk or a large can of juice. Cut a slit in the top and , after you empty the contents, slip the blades in there. If you have a way to solder the slot that would be one way, or maybe just caulk the opening with silicone or some such.

I have always breadknifed them and tossed them into a recycle bin but it sounds like you have alot. Maybe ask the people at the recycling depot what to do with them.

If you have access to a "sharps container" (Dr.s office, Lab) you can drop them in one of those.
When I travel with a DE I always take the blades (in an envelope/wrapping) to the front desk, ask if the have a sharps container (many public area bathrooms have them).
They usually say thanks for not dropping that in the trash and we will take care of it.

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Originally Posted by j033

If I put them into a tin can and put them into recycling, is this an ethical way to dispose of them? Will they become a hazard to workers, etc?

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I think that will do. When these get recycled they are melted at temperatures of at least 1,000 deg Celsius. No bacteria or germs will survive that. And if they are in a concealed can, they will be no hazard to anyone.

The below is also sound advice:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Get a can of evaporated milk or a large can of juice. Cut a slit in the top and , after you empty the contents, slip the blades in there. If you have a way to solder the slot that would be one way, or maybe just caulk the opening with silicone or some such.

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I too thank you for the advice.I had recently asked the same question in a previous thread. I was concerned about landfill and wildlife issues and harm to trash collectors all thats kinda stuff. Thought maybe there was some proper procedure to recycle them but just wasn't sure?

I have a used razor blade slot in the back of my medicine cabinet. Mine go to "Blade Heaven" with the other 90 yrs of old blades!

Seems a shame they can't be melted down for something useful ??

I heard here that you can get a very nice vintage sharps receptacle on the bay for just a few hundred bucks...

Dispose them no need to, uses them for something else! http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...rtisement.html

You could always use them to strengthen the cement/concrete in your garden? We're always looking for stones and bits of metal to put in concrete when building walls or reinforcing garden fencing or paving.

As a lifetime modeler, I've always saved razor blades in a coffee can until full, then take them to the dump, and they accept them as hazardous waste, no charge. I think you are wise to consider others safety, thank you!

For a free sharps container you can use an empty bottle of laundry detergent.

Michael

You can make radios out of them:
http://www.ehow.com/how_7283134_home...tructions.html

Find a yokel (like me) who heats his home with onsite combustion techniques (a wood or coal-fired stove/furnace). A DE razorblade on hot coals won't last very long. (ill time it when i start using the heater again) And will barely be noticeable in the ashpan so long as they go in small numbers.

Most hardware stores sell empty unused paint cans for a very fair price. Fill them up and hammer on the lid. Take them to the scrap yard and they will pay you for them. Keep your can and re-use it;)

Scrap yards take sharp twisted metal all the time...occasionally with body fluids on them. The shredders don't care;)

I'm sure they will blend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OmpnfL5PCw

melt them down and turn them into a straight. must be the best stainless you can get.

dissolve them in an acid solution. wouldn't take much. then neutralize the acid.