How to Safely Dispose of and Recycle Razor Blades in the UK (2024)

September 17, 2024 Tom Atkinson 0 Comments

Keeping your razor blades sharp is essential for a smooth and safe shave. Sharp blades not only give you a closer shave but also help prevent irritation, razor bumps, and other skin issues. Unless you're using a straight razor that can be sharpened and reused, most other blades will eventually need to be replaced and properly discarded. Here's a guide on how to safely dispose of and recycle razor blades in the UK, especially focusing on double edge (DE) safety razor blades.

Different Types of Razor Blades and Their Disposal

Not all razor blades are made for recycling. Some razors are designed for single use, while others have replaceable blades. Here’s a breakdown of the different types and how they should be discarded:

Disposable Razors

Disposable razors come with the blade fixed into the handle, which means the entire unit is thrown away after use. The best practice for disposing of these is to wrap the blade end in paper and secure it with tape before putting it in the regular bin. Although convenient, disposable razors aren’t eco-friendly, as the plastic can take years to degrade.

Cartridge Razors

With cartridge razors, the blade head can be swapped out once it's dull. However, since the blade is integrated into the cartridge, the whole head must be discarded. To dispose of a cartridge, wrap it securely in paper, tape it, and place it in the regular waste bin. While more sustainable than full disposable razors, they still involve plastic waste that doesn’t break down easily.

Straight Razors

Traditional straight razors have a fixed blade that requires sharpening. They don’t need replacing and are more eco-friendly. However, some modern straight razors come with disposable blades. These can often be the same as safety razor blades or longer, single-use "shavette" blades. If the blades are made purely of metal, they can usually be recycled.

Safely Disposing of Double Edge (DE) Safety Razor Blades

Safety razor blades are sharp, even after use, and require careful handling during disposal. Here’s how to safely discard and recycle them:

Collecting Used Blades

You shouldn’t throw used blades directly into your bin, as they can pose a hazard. Instead, collect them in a safe place until you’re ready to dispose of them. Here are some ways to do this:

1. Use the Packaging

Many safety razor blade packs come with a compartment to store used blades. This built-in slot lets you collect several blades until the packaging is full. For example, Feather Hi-Stainless blades come with a case that can store up to 10 used blades.

2. Make a Blade Bank

You can create your own blade bank using a container like an old tin or jar. Cut a small slot in the lid for dropping in the blades, seal it up, and label it so it’s clear what’s inside. When it’s full, you can dispose of it with your household waste or take it to a recycling center if it’s suitable.

3. Buy a Blade Disposal Tin

Special blade disposal tins are available, designed specifically to safely collect old blades. These tins are usually small but can hold up to 100 blades, and once full, both the blades and the tin can often be recycled together.

Disposing of Used Razor Blades

Once you’ve safely collected a number of used blades, you have a couple of options for disposal:

1. Regular Waste Disposal

If you're using the compartment in the blade packaging or a homemade blade bank, you can seal it up and place it in your household waste. Ensure it's properly taped or sealed to avoid any danger to anyone handling the waste.

2. Recycling Razor Blades

Since safety razor blades are typically made from metal, they can be recycled. However, it’s important to check with your local recycling center to see if they accept small metal items like razor blades. Most areas in the UK do allow you to recycle them by taking them to a local recycling facility and placing them in the scrap metal bin. You can usually find details on your local authority’s website. If you’ve used a proper blade disposal tin, you can recycle the whole tin and its contents at once.

Why Recycling Safety Razor Blades Is Important

Using safety razors is often considered a more environmentally friendly option, as the blades are metal and can be recycled. By taking the time to collect and recycle them properly, you’re contributing to a more sustainable grooming routine.