Old keys can easily accumulate over the years. You may have keys from previous homes, cars, padlocks, diaries, and more that you no longer use. While you may be inclined to keep these keys for sentimental reasons, holding on to old keys comes with risks. Keys can get lost, stolen, or copied, compromising your privacy and security if they fall into the wrong hands. Fortunately, there are several effective and responsible ways to get rid of old and unused keys.
Why You Should Get Rid of Old Keys
Here are some of the main reasons why it’s important to properly dispose of keys you no longer use:
Prevent Theft and Unauthorized Access
Old keys can allow access to areas of your home, vehicles, storage units, etc. Even if you changed the locks, copies of the old keys could still be used by thieves or intruders. Getting rid of unused keys helps protect your privacy and possessions.
Avoid Clutter
Hanging onto old keys you don’t use anymore leads to clutter and disorganization. Properly disposing of old keys clears out physical and mental space.
Protect Your Identity and Security
Keys with tags or codes can sometimes be traced back to you. Discarding old keys helps protect you from potential identity theft if they fall into the wrong hands.
Peace of Mind
Simply knowing unused keys are gone for good provides peace of mind and the comfort of security. You don’t have to worry about their whereabouts anymore.
How to Tell If a Key is No Longer Needed
Before getting rid of keys, it’s important to determine if they are still serving a purpose. Here are some ways to identify keys to discard:
- They unlock doors, vehicles, safes, etc. that you no longer own and access.
- You’ve changed the locks, so the keys no longer grant access.
- You don’t recognize the keys or what they go to.
- The keys belong to a previous home you moved out of.
- You have no sentimental attachment to the keys.
If you are unsure whether a key is still needed, try testing it on current locks or tags. If it no longer provides access, it’s ready for disposal.
How to Properly Dispose of Different Types of Keys
When getting rid of old keys, the disposal method depends on the key type. Here are some guidelines:
House Keys
- Render unusable – File down or hammer the key teeth smooth so it cannot be inserted into any lock.
- Melt it down – Melt house keys made of soft metals by heating over a stove or using a propane torch.
- Recycle – Many metal recycling centers accept house keys for scrap metal recycling. Remove any plastic/rubber first.
Car Keys and Fobs
- Remove the battery – This renders remote fobs useless. Dispose of the battery properly.
- Drill holes – Drilling holes through the key head destroys car keys.
- Recycle at a dealer – Many dealerships will take old keys and fobs to recycle properly.
Padlock Keys
- Cut them up – Use bolt cutters or tin snips to cut padlock keys into small pieces.
- Recycle the metal – Padlock keys can often be recycled with other scrap metal if completely cut up.
Older Skeleton Keys
- Donate to antique stores – Beautiful vintage skeleton keys can often be donated rather than destroyed.
- Sell online – Skeleton key collectors may purchase your old keys.
- Alter and reuse – Convert antique keys into jewelry or home decor instead of scrapping.
Modern Electronic Key Cards
- Erase data – Electronic key cards can have data erased with an EMF degausser instead of destroyed.
- Cut into pieces – Completely cut up an electronic key card to destroy the internal technology.
Safe/Lockbox Keys
- Drill holes – Drill multiple holes through the metal of the key to obstruct the keyway.
- Melt down – Melt safe keys by heating with a torch if metal is soft enough.
- Give to current owner – If selling a safe, give unused keys to the new owner.
Places to Dispose of Old Keys
Once you’ve damaged keys so they can’t be used again, here are some safe places for key disposal:
- Household trash – Rendered useless, keys can go in the normal trash pickup (not recycling).
- Scrap metal recycling – Drop-off old metal keys at recycling centers if all plastic/rubber removed.
- Automotive dealer – Many dealerships have key recycling programs.
- Electronic waste collection – Keys with microchips can sometimes go in e-waste bins when cut up.
- Junk removal services – Ask your junk hauler if they will dispose of cut/broken keys.
- Mail-in key recycling – Some companies offer mail-in key recycling services.
If giving your keys to another service for disposal, make sure to remove any tags or identifiable markings first for security.
Alternative Ways to Dispose of Keys
If you want to get creative or make use of your old keys around the home before disposing of them, here are some alternative approaches:
Upcycling/Repurposing
- Make wind chimes out of old keys
- Frame old keys into unique wall art
- Create jewelry like necklaces from vintage keys
- Use keys on a lanyard as memory keepsake
- Make an old key into a bottle opener
Donating/Reselling
- Sell or donate collectible keys to antique shops
- Give old, unique keys to craft stores for projects
- Donate keys to secondhand stores if still usable
- Sell old skeleton keys online to collectors
Melting Down for Projects
- Melt keys into DIY silicone molds for pendants
- Use melted down keys to incorporate into metal art sculptures
- Combine melted keys with resin and hardener to create key-shaped paperweights
Tips for Getting Rid of Keys Securely
Follow these extra precautions when disposing of old keys for maximum security:
- Completely destroy the key teeth – file, hammer, drill, or melt
- Remove any tags, codes, or markings identifying the key
- Cut up key cards and fobs into small pieces
- Wear gloves when handling keys to throw away – avoid fingerprints
- Keep keys secure until they can be destroyed – do not misplace
- Opt for melting, shredding, or other methods that fully demolish keys
- If mailing keys in, choose tracked shipping and insure the package
Getting rid of old keys properly is an important step in maintaining privacy and securing belongings from potential thieves. Keys unused for a long time should be destroyed and disposed of in a way that ensures they cannot fall into the wrong hands. Following these guidelines will allow you to declutter your life and prevent unwanted access to your spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disposing of Old Keys
Should I get new locks if I lost an old key?
If you lost a key and are unsure of its whereabouts, it’s best to get new locks installed as a precaution. You don’t know if someone could have found the key and made a copy. Replacing locks ensures unauthorized access is prevented.
What should I avoid when disposing of keys?
Avoid simply tossing intact keys in the garbage or recycling. Also avoid recycling keys with any identifying features still attached. Take care not to dispose of keys improperly to prevent someone from finding and reusing them.
Is it bad to keep old keys I’ll never use?
Yes, keeping unusable old keys poses unnecessary security risks. They serve no purpose and could be lost, stolen, copied, or found by someone who can trace them back to you. Properly destroy and dispose of any non-functional keys.
Can I donate old keys instead of throwing them away?
Only donate old keys if they are still fully functional and you confirm the recipient organization is able to reuse them. Any donated keys also should not have any personal identifiers that could compromise security.
What method is best for destroying old keys?
Drilling holes through the key head or cutting notches across the teeth using bolt cutters, tin snips, or a grinder are highly effective ways to ruin keys and prevent reuse or copying.
What should I do with keys from an old lockbox or safe?
Do not discard old lockbox or safe keys in a usable state in case someone finds and misuses them. Drill holes through the keys or melt them down completely with high heat from a torch.
Can I melt down keys at home safely?
Only attempt to melt metal keys at home if using proper protective gear and ventilation. Alternatively, seek professional scrap metal recycling services equipped to melt down keys safely.
How can I make extra sure my old keys are secure when disposing?
Wear gloves when handling keys to avoid fingerprints. Use postal tracking and insurance when mailing keys. Keep keys in your possession until destroying them. Choose destruction methods like shredding that leave no trace.
What kind of damage should I do to an electronic key card?
To dispose of key cards properly, you will want to completely destroy internal components. Cutting into small pieces or using an EMF degausser to erase data will render key cards useless.
Can I just give my old house keys to a friend instead?
Only gift old keys to someone you fully trust, and if you are absolutely certain they will not be used to access your property without approval. Replacing locks is still the safest option.
Conclusion
Old, unused keys tend to accumulate over time, but retaining them indefinitely poses security risks. Keys can be stolen, copied, lost, traced back to you, and used to gain unauthorized entry. To protect your home, vehicles, and belongings, as well as guard your privacy, properly disposing of unneeded keys is essential.
Assess your key collection and discard any whose purpose you cannot identify or that no longer grant access due to locks being changed. Prior to disposal, alter keys so they cannot function by filing, cutting, hammering, drilling, or melting them. Then utilize secure disposal methods like trash, scrap recycling, e-waste bins, dealership trade-ins, or tracked mail-in programs.
Following these detailed guidelines will help you safely get rid of your old keys while minimizing the chance of misuse. Having peace of mind knowing unused keys will not fall into the wrong hands makes parting with them well worth any loss of sentimental value.
