If you have a disposable razor, a safety razor or a utility knife, you can dispose of it safely.It is possible to package up a single blade in stiff paper or cardboard.A lidded container is the second option for disposal of sharp objects.Seal your container with duct tape and label it clearly.It is safe to include the container with the regular garbage in most areas.
Step 1: Purchase a container for disposal of razor blades.
Some shaving razor brands make their own blades that fit their products.Most office supply stores and drugstores have a generic sharps disposal container.Sharps containers have a small opening at the top through which you can drop sharp objects.They have clear biohazard labels and are often red.The FDA has guidelines on approved sharps containers.You can use a sharps container to dispose of needles, thumbtacks, and other hazardous items.
Step 2: A lidded container is a good place to make your own razor blade disposal box.
A container made of a non-breakable and puncture-proof material should be used as your blade bank.It should be labeled "old razor blades" or "sharps disposal" to alert others to its contents.A glass jar with a screw-on lid is a good choice.Cut a slit in the top of the aluminum can to drain out the liquid.Drop the single razor blades through the slit.A heavy-duty plastic bank would work.Since it could shatter, don't use a ceramic bank.Since the blades will puncture the sides of the container, don't use anything made of cardboard or thin plastic.
Step 3: If there is a built-in disposal compartment, put old blades in the original packaging.
New blades are sold in a plastic container with a built-in disposal compartment.The compartment is usually located on the bottom of the container.You can put an old blade in the compartment when you take out a new blade.The old blades aren't likely to fall out of the container, but you should still use caution.The old blades should be kept upright so that they don't fall out.If the blade packaging has a disposal compartment, you won't have to worry about making your own container.Don't try to fit other types of blades as they may not fit, only use this method for the blades that came in the packaging.
Step 4: The disposal container should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
Whether you use a sharps container or a homemade blade bank, keep it in a secure location.Even if it has a tight lid, make sure it doesn't tip over or fall onto the floor.It's a good idea to keep your sharps container near the garbage cans.People can dispose of razor blades through announcements and clearly marked wall signs.
Step 5: Once the container is full, tape it up and label it.
The container should be wrapped with duct tape.It can't possibly come off, so make sure it's on.Use a permanent marker to write "sharps disposal" or "used razor blades" on the sides of the container.Sanitation workers and anyone else who handles garbage will be aware that the contents of the box are hazardous.If you are using a purpose-built sharps container, try not to cover the biohazard labels with duct tape.
Step 6: Throw away the sealed sharps container.
If your local regulations allow it, you can put a sealed and labeled sharps container with the rest of your garbage.The sealed sharps containers will be accepted by some government agencies and third-party organizations.Speak with a representative from your neighborhood's Sanitation service, browse through your local government website, or go to a nearby pharmacy to find out more.
Step 7: The blade should be wrapped in multiple layers of paper.
The razor should be put on a piece of paper.Duct tape the packet closed after folding up the paper several times.There is a piece of cardboard that is larger than the blade on all sides.Duct tape the packet shut and cover it with another piece of cardboard.You can put a layer of cardboard on either side of the heavy paper bundle.The blade should be securely packaged.You want to keep it out of the trash.The entire blade should be covered with paper or cardboard.
Step 8: The packet should be labeled "sharps disposal" or "used razor blade".
Write your label on the packet with a permanent marker.The packet should have a label on both sides.It's useful for homes and offices where someone else might dump out or pick up the contents.
Step 9: The regular garbage should be put in with the labeled packet.
Most of the time you can throw away your razor blade if it's wrapped up and labeled.Before tossing the packet with the rest of the trash, make sure it complies with your local regulations.Call the Sanitation company that serves your neighborhood to learn about any specific waste regulations you should abide by.
Step 10: Don't throw a razor blade in the trash.
It's never a good idea to throw a loose razor blade into a garbage container without packing it up.Sanitation workers and people who live in your space can be at risk from a loose razor blade.If not properly dispose of shaving razors, they can spread disease.