Safe Knife Disposal

Understand how you can safely dispose of your unwanted knives.

Let’s Be Blunt works to reduce knife crime and harm by promoting practical, preventative change. One key gap we are addressing is the lack of safe, consistent knife disposal options across the UK.

At present, safe knife disposal varies widely by location. Some areas provide police-led surrender schemes or temporary bins, while others offer no clear or accessible option at all. This inconsistency creates confusion and, in some cases, increases risk rather than reducing it.

Our Mission

To see safe, permanent knife disposal points available at all recycling centres nationwide.

Recycling centres are already trusted, regulated spaces used by households, tradespeople, and communities. Making safe knife disposal a standard part of recycling infrastructure would provide a practical, accessible and non-stigmatising way to remove risk before harm occurs.

Changing the language around knife disposal

We are also working to change the language used around knife disposal.

Terms such as “amnesty” are still widely used, but they can feel outdated and imply wrongdoing. In reality, many people accessing disposal schemes are acting responsibly and proactively to reduce risk.

Safe Kitchen Knife Disposal

Let’s Be Blunt promotes language such as “safe knife disposal” or “safe depositing”, which better reflects harm reduction, prevention, and shared responsibility.

What to do right now

Until a consistent national approach exists, guidance on knife disposal will continue to differ by area. We encourage people to:

Check their local council website for current advice on knife disposal
Contact their local authority or recycling centre to ask about safe options
Follow any police-led disposal or surrender schemes operating in their area

Please do not transport knives unless you are following official local guidance.

Looking Ahead

Let’s Be Blunt will continue to work with communities, local authorities and national partners to work towards consistent safe knife disposal as a standard part of waste and recycling infrastructure.

Prevention starts with practical change and safe disposal is a crucial part of reducing knife harm before it happens.