How Do I Dispose of Used Razors?

Over the past several decades, disposable versions of products have popped up everywhere. Americans are big on convenience and what better way to appeal to consumers but to offer easy, cheap, and abundant versions of their favorite products?   

A win-win? Not really. Convenience at cheap prices comes with a pretty high price tag.

 One of the most egregious offenders of appealing to the convenience factor is the disposable razor.  Invented in the early1900s, the safety razor with disposable blades made its debut.

“The EPA estimates that 2 billion razors are thrown away each year. That’s outrageous, considering that you can’t recycle disposable razors in the U.S. You can recycle the steel blades (check with your local recycling center first), but your standard disposable razor is going to the landfill. “

Most smaller recycling centers with their current processes aren’t capable of accepting plastic, disposable razors as a recyclable item. Disposable razors, along with thousands of other convenience products, are made of multiple materials.

“In around 2010 in France, BIC launched a free mail-back program for its disposable razors. The company recycles its branded disposable razors to be used as parts for washing machines, proving that this type of material is not only recyclable, but can actually be valuable. But can we expect a program like this in the U.S.?”

There are several ways to avoid throwing out so many plastic disposable razors:

1.     Electric Shavers. Commonly called electric razors, they are easy and convenient. Electric shavers cost more up front, but you’ll save in the long run. They have an added bonus of reducing the amount of water used.
2.     Use Razors Made From Recycled Materials. “There are some products available that are made from recycled plastic. Preserve offers a razor made from recycled materials, as does Schick. Schick has also moved to zero-landfill production. This is a better option than non-recycled razors, but that razor you’re done with is still not getting recycled.” 
3.     Buy Razors That Have Replaceable Blades. This option only eliminates part of the problem by keeping many more razor handles out of the landfill.  You will, however, be throwing out used blades just as often.
4.     Straight Razor. This older style of shaving takes a little getting used to. The blades will
5.     Eliminate Shaving Altogether. For some this is not a viable option since many employers require their employees to be clean-shaven. Some employers are more liberal with their facial hair policies. Faces, however, are just one place that hair grows. Some women only shave their legs in the summer and hair seems to grow slower in the winter.
need to be sharpened periodically to give you the best shave with the fewest chances of nicks and cuts.

In order to be green and sustainable, more options need to be introduced or adopted to replace everyday convenience items. For more information on waste and recyclables visit www.wasteawaygroup.com.

groundswell.org

Wikipedia.org

Earth911.com