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Recycling isn’t just about having the right bin and setting it out on schedule. Numerous common household items, including razor blades, can’t be handled through standard recycling processes, often leading to improper disposal. However, as Public Goods suggests, you can adopt a greener approach by taking your used razors to a dedicated recycling facility.
Your local recycling center is an excellent resource for managing hazardous or difficult-to-recycle materials that don’t belong in your home recycling bin. Facilities such as fire stations, hospitals, and pharmacies often serve as collection points for these challenging items. Tools like Earth 911 allow you to locate nearby centers by entering your zip code and specifying the material you need to recycle.
Storing and transporting used razor blades can be more cumbersome compared to items like old cellphones or magazines. Razor banks are designed specifically for safe disposal, and once full, they can be taken to a recycling center. Some pharmacies offer free containers for sharp waste. For a DIY solution, repurpose an empty mint tin to securely store blades until you’re ready to recycle them.
Most recycling facilities are designed to handle single materials, making it challenging to recycle razor blades still attached to plastic handles or cartridges. To tackle this, Gillette partnered with TerraCycle to create a dedicated razor recycling initiative. By using TerraCycle’s online map, you can locate nearby drop-off points that accept blades, razors, and rigid plastic packaging. If no local centers are available, you can mail your old shaving gear by obtaining a tracking code via your TerraCycle account.
By putting in a bit more effort, you can recycle numerous items that are typically discarded. Discover dozens of things you didn’t realize were recyclable.
