Recycling your old CDs and DVDs is a great move to get rid of clutter in your home, while at the same time saving resources and being kind to earth. Learn how to go about it.
Are CDs Recyclable? How About DVDs?
Yes, old CDs and DVDs are recyclable, but it’s not always easy to do. CDs and DVDs are made from polycarbonate plastic, which is a number 7 plastic, meaning it is difficult to recycle. This means: in most regions, you cannot just throw your old CDs and DVDs into the curbside recycling bin.
Where You Can Recycle CDs and DVDs
Thankfully, there are CD disposal companies in the US that facilitate CD recycling, like GreenDisk and the CD Recycling Center of America. You can mail your old CDs and DVDs to them, and they will clean and compound your old, disused disks into plastic to be repurposed for streetlights, auto parts, and office equipment.
In case your community does accept CDs and DVDs in curbside pickup, check Earth911.
Can You Recycle CDs and DVDs at Target, Best Buy, Staples?
Best Buy states in their customer support forum that they do not accept CDs for recycling.
Target has quite an extensive list of the state regulations concerning various household products, and whether Target can recycle them. CDs and DVDs, however, are not on that list. It’s probably best to check personally with your local Target.
At Staples, CDs and DVDs are neither on the “what can be recycled”-list, nor on the “what can’t be recycled”-list.
What Should You Do With Old CDs?
Apart from recycling, there are many other things you can do to repurpose CDs and DVDs. These are your options:
- Donating: Lots of nonprofit groups, like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, will take your old CDs and DVDs off your hands and sell them for a good cause. You could also donate to libraries, schools, or local nursing homes. This not only declutters your space, but it helps people in your community. Read more: Does Goodwill Take Underwear, Bras & Socks? A Donation How-to
- Selling: Interested in making a little extra pocket money from your old disks? Try selling DVDs and CDs online. There are loads of online stores where you can sell your CDs and DVDs, making money for you, and extending the life of your disks. Decluttr is a great online store where you can sell your old music and movies.
- Upcycling: Old CDs and DVDs are excellent for all your arts and crafts needs. Before you decide to recycle your CDs, try cutting them up and turning them into minimalist Christmas ornaments, using them to dress up an old photo or mirror frame, creating wall art, or using them as unique drink coasters. Old CDs can also be used as ice scrapers for your car or hung from your trees and bushes in the garden to deter pesky birds from eating your fresh fruits and berries.
Read more about what upcycling is and find more upcycling ideas for home decor.
Spring-cleaning, or just getting rid of some old stuff? Check out our other guides on how to dispose of different products responsibly:
- Aluminum Foil Is Recyclable: Here’s How It’s Done
- Can You Recycle Plastic Bags?
- Cardboard Box Recycling
- Are Light Bulbs Recyclable?
- Is Wood Recyclable?
- What to Do With Old Clothes: 10 Impactful Ideas
- What to Do With Old Books: 10 Ideas
- How Do You Dispose of Batteries Correctly
- How to Dispose of Old Pills Correctly
Read more:
- 5 Egg Carton Crafts for Kids
- How Sustainable are Online Streaming Services Really?
- How to Find Reclaimed, Recycled & Salvaged Building Materials: 10 Resources
Do you like this post?