Can You Recycle CDs? Recycling, Disposal, and CD Upcycling

Most people now stream their music and other media on various platforms, abandoning the old ways of media consumption. However, since manufacturers produce CDs with various plastic and aluminum materials, we must learn how to recycle them. 

However, you can't dump them in a random recycle bin because they are under classification No. 7 or other plastic. The classification shows how difficult it is to recycle a CD, but it doesn't mean it is impossible. 

Do you have piles of CDs and DVDs you don't use anymore but don't know how to dispose of them? This article explores environmentally friendly ways to recycle DVDs and CDs and discusses the process of disc manufacturing.

Table of Contents:

What are CDs and VHS tapes made of?

Sony and Philips set standards for manufacturing CDs in the late 1970s, and the first set was released in 1982. CDs consist of three layers:

• A base layer of polycarbonate plastic
• A thin layer of aluminum coating
• A transparent protective coating over the aluminum layer 

A CD is 1.2 mm thick and 120 mm in diameter. It weighs about 15 grams and can store up to 74 minutes of data. Manufacturers create CDs in a clean and dust-free environment because the tiniest dust particles can make the CD unusable. They filter the air in the manufacturing area to keep dirt out.  

They store audio data on these discs using the pulse code modulation method. This method samples a sound briefly and converts it to a numerical value modulated or stored for later use.

Can you recycle CDs?

Yes, you can recycle CDs. Many people have old CDs in their homes because of the technological advancements in media consumption. We don’t use CDs to listen to music and watch movies anymore. Some apps and software allow us to consume media without using a CD. 

So, how do you recycle old CDs? The following section covers the recycling process of old CDs and DVDs. If you are curious about other electronic waste, we also have posts on old cell phones and batteries.

How to recycle CDs?

You can recycle old CDs and DVDs through the following methods: 

1. Mail-in programs 

Some specialized recycling companies recycle CDs by cleaning, grinding, and blending them into plastic material used to produce other items like street lights, office equipment, and auto parts. Greendisk is an example of a CD recycling company. 

GreenDisk has been an electronic recycler for the past 30 years. They recycle VHS tapes, CDs, and DVDs. They also accept CD cases and cassette tapes. You can mail your old discs to this recycling center or look for companies with similar recycling programs. 

2. Curbside recycling programs

Don’t throw CDs and DVDs in the trash because they are plastic materials that don’t completely decompose in landfills. Burning them isn’t the best action because burned CDs release harmful chemicals. These chemicals include sulfur dioxide, hydrochloric acid, and dioxins. 

CDs and DVDs contain plastic resins, which can cause health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, early puberty, and reproductive issues. However, finding a local curbside recycling program that recycles VHS tapes, CDs, and DVDs can be challenging.   

Before you throw old CDs in the curbside recycling bin, ask around to ensure your local curbside recycling program accepts them. Some programs accept CD cases because they are easily recyclable. You can also drop the old discs in an e-waste drop-off recycling center. 

Remember to remove the CDs and DVDs from their cases before leaving them at drop-off centers or transfer stations, as they are made of different types of plastic. 

3. Donate or sell VHS tapes and music CDs in good condition.

Give VHS tapes, music CDs, and other discs in good condition to people who will reuse them. The discs should be free from dust, scratches, and fingerprints. You can give them to your friends and family. You can donate them to the Salvation Army and ReUseIt or sell them to thrift stores.

Depending on their condition, you have a better chance of recycling CDs by selling them to collectors, music resellers, and record stores. You can sell old discs via Zapper, Craigslist, or Decluttr. Some record stores have instruments to repair bad CDs. 

4. Upcycle old CDs.  

You can recycle VHS tapes and CDs without recycling centers by repurposing them. You can reuse CDs by turning them into decorations, mirrors, wall art, and storage options. Here are some repurposing ideas: 

• Create a funky disco ball using CDs and an old football or basketball. Cut the CDs into tiny stripes and glue them on the ball. Then, make a hole through the center of the ball and pass a clear string to hang it in your room. 
• Using scrapbooking methods, you can also use an old CD as a hanging photo frame. 
• You can use it in DVD cases to create a beautiful clutch purse. You just need a small piece of velvet or a similar fabric, a 4-5 inch round mirror, a fancy button, and glue. After removing the lock that holds the DVD, use the fabric to line the case. Glue the fabric onto the case and attach extra pockets and buttons.  
• Add cut CDs to create a fun mosaic pattern to make your mirror enjoyable. You can cut them into squares, triangles, rectangles, and other shapes. 
• Give compact discs a second life by using them as coasters, ice scrapers for your windshield, holographic gemstones, bookends, jewel cases, etc. 

There are many ideas and tips on Pinterest for reusing CDs. You could turn them into fun art projects for friends and family. 

Conclusion  

Humanity’s technology advances, leaving a pile of old tech. These are usually small electronics like CDs and DVDs. Unfortunately, we don't have enough local curbside recycling programs to recycle plastic materials under classification no. 7. 

So, don’t let them gather dust! Until the government sets up a CD recycling center in your region, you might have to repurpose CDs and their cases. Simply sell them for a small fee at a secondhand store or donate them to nursing homes. Remember to remove the paper sleeves before dropping it at the recycling center. Let's protect the environment by reducing the waste sent to the landfill.