How to Dispose of Razor Blades Safely at Home

How to dispose of razor blades comes down to one rule: never let a bare blade go into a trash bag or recycling cart. Put used blades in a small, hard container that a blade cannot cut through, seal it once it is full, label it, and then follow your local rules for where it goes. That container might be a store-bought blade bank, an empty metal tin, or a thick plastic bottle with a screw cap. Below is how to set one up, what to do with safety razor blades, cartridges, utility knife blades and electric shavers, and why the recycling cart is not the place for any of them.

Why loose blades are a problem

A thin blade can slice through a garbage bag and into the hand of whoever lifts it, whether that is you, a family member, or a sanitation worker. Recycling sorters have the same problem: a loose blade on a sorting line is small enough to slip past screens and sharp enough to cut the people picking contaminants off the belt. Wrapping a single blade in tissue does not help much, because tissue tears. The fix is cheap and easy, and once you have a container you never have to think about it again.

Use a blade bank or a homemade sharps can

A blade bank is a small metal or hard plastic case with a narrow slot on top. You push a used blade through the slot and it drops inside where it cannot get back out. Many safety razor makers and barber supply shops sell them, and some older medicine cabinets even had a blade slot built into the back wall for this reason. If you do not want to buy one, make your own:

1. Pick a container a blade cannot pierce: an empty mint or tea tin, a clean metal can with a lid, or a thick plastic bottle such as a laundry detergent jug or pill bottle with a screw cap.
2. For a tin or can, cut or punch a slot just wide enough for one blade. For a bottle, a narrow slit in the cap works.
3. Write “Used razor blades — do not recycle” on the side with a permanent marker.
4. Keep it in the bathroom cabinet or shop drawer, out of reach of children.
5. When it is full, tape the slot or cap shut with strong tape.

A small tin holds a surprising number of double-edge blades, so a single container can last a year or more for most people.

What to do with each kind of blade

• Double-edge safety razor blades. These are the thin steel blades that load into a classic safety razor. Drop each one into your blade bank right after you change it. They are the most dangerous kind to leave loose because both edges are sharp.
• Disposable razors and cartridge heads. The blades are set in plastic, so they are much less likely to cut through a bag. Put the protective cap back on if you still have it, then place the razor or cartridge in the trash. Some razor brands have run mail-in recycling programs for disposables and cartridges through partner companies; check the brand’s website to see whether one is running now.
• Single-edge and straight razor blades. Shavette blades, scraper blades and single-edge craft blades go in the blade bank, the same as double-edge blades.
• Utility knife and snap-off blades. Many utility knives and snap-off cutters have a storage or disposal slot built in, or come with a small case for spent pieces. Use it, or keep a separate labeled tin in your toolbox. For larger kitchen and hobby knives, see how to dispose of knives.
• Electric shavers and trimmers. These hold a motor and usually a rechargeable battery, so they belong with electronics, not in the trash. Take them to an electronics recycling drop-off, and if the battery can be removed, recycle it through a battery drop-off.

Can razor blades be recycled?

Not in the curbside bin. Blades are made of steel, but they are far too small and too sharp for a recycling sorting line, and most programs list them as not accepted. A sealed steel tin full of blades is a different story at some scrap metal yards, since it is a solid lump of steel that cannot cut anyone. Policies vary, so call before you bring one. Scrap yard versus landfill for clean metal explains how yards handle small metal loads. If no yard near you will take it, the sealed container goes in the trash.

Where a full container goes

In most places a sealed, labeled container of household razor blades can go in your regular household trash. A few cities and counties ask residents to handle blades like other household sharps, or offer a sharps drop-off at a household hazardous waste site, fire station or pharmacy. Check your trash hauler’s or solid waste department’s website, or call, if you are not sure. If you are hauling the container to a landfill or transfer station along with other trash, keep it inside a bag or box so it does not get lost in the load.

Salons, shops and medical use

Barbershops, salons, tattoo studios and anyone using blades on skin at work are generally expected to follow sharps rules, which usually means an approved sharps container, especially for any blade that may have blood on it. Medical scalpels and lancets at home belong in a sharps container as well. Our guide to disposing of household sharps covers approved containers and community drop-off programs.

Razor blade disposal FAQ

Can I throw razor blades in the trash?

In most areas a sealed, puncture-proof container of household blades can go in the regular trash. Never put loose blades in a bag, and check your city or county rules, since a few treat them like household sharps.

Can razor blades go in the recycling bin?

No. They are too small and sharp for curbside recycling and can injure sorting workers. Some scrap yards may accept a sealed steel tin full of blades, so call ahead.

What is a razor blade bank?

A small metal or hard plastic case with a narrow slot. Used blades go in through the slot and cannot fall back out, and when it is full the whole case is sealed and thrown away or taken to a scrap yard that accepts it.

How do I dispose of disposable razors and cartridges?

Put the cap back on and place them in the trash. The blades are set in plastic, so they are much safer than bare blades. Some brands have run mail-in recycling programs, so check the maker's website.

How do I get rid of an old electric shaver?

Treat it as electronics. Take it to an e-waste drop-off or a retailer take-back program, and recycle a removable rechargeable battery at a battery drop-off.

The bottom line

How to dispose of razor blades safely is simple once you set up a container. Drop used blades into a blade bank or a labeled metal tin or thick plastic bottle, tape it shut when it is full, and put it in the trash or take it to a sharps or scrap program where your area offers one. Disposable razors can usually go in the trash with the cap on, and electric shavers go to electronics recycling. Keep blades out of the recycling cart.