I usually buy in bulk. I discard when items, rust, crack or break and are irreparable. I have a plastic peanut butter jar with the lid and I throw these items in then throw the whole shebang into the recycle bin. Every room in the house has it's own pair of scissors to only be used in that room. the only way any scissors designated for sewing make it out of the room is in a go/to bag/kit for handwork. Dh wanted to cut a large piece of tarp, I showed him the shears in his shed to be used for such work. they weren't rusty because I had them wrapped in an oil soaked cloth to keep them from rusting. They cut through that tarp like butter. I have 2 sewing machines both in great condition. Almost bought another the other day and decided not to since redoing the sewing room isn't completed.