Unwanted CDs and DVDs can be resold for cash, recycled, donated, or repurposed for creative home projects - there is no excuse for throwing them in the bin!
Most curbside recycling programs don't accept DVDs or CDs. So if you're planning to declutter your home or digitize your music or movie library, you need to find a more eco-friendly way to dispose of those old discs.
An estimated 10 billion CDs and DVDs have ended up in U.S. landfills since 2005 according to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, while Americans continue to throw away "millions of CDs" each year according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
This contributes to approximately 5.5 million tons of software waste entering landfills and incinerators each year. Incineration is a disaster for the environment and a health hazard, because the polycarbonate thermoplastic in CDs contains BPAs, hydrochloric acid, and sulfur dioxide, which is released when they are burned.
This guide covers several practical options for responsibly disposing of your outdated media collection. Whether you're looking to make some money, donate usable items, recycle damaged media, or repurpose discs creatively, we'll walk you through the best approaches to keep these materials out of landfills and reduce e-waste.
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You can recycle your old CDs and DVDs for money online at sites like Decluttr, which is a fast, hassle-free, and guaranteed option for collections of any size.
Other peer-to-peer sites such as eBay, Facebook, and Craigslist are alternative options that each have their pros and cons.
Decluttr is the best place to recycle your unwanted CDs and DVDs, because you sell them directly to the company instead of having to deal with a buyer.
This means you get a guaranteed price with no haggling or time wasters.
Simply use the Decluttr smartphone app to scan the barcodes on your CD or DVD covers, then send the discs off to Decluttr using the free shipping label.
They'll pay you by direct deposit or PayPal, and then either resell or recycle them responsibly.
eBay remains a reliable marketplace for selling CDs or DVDs that allows you to reach a worldwide audience.
You can't be sure of the price you'll get, and you have to go to the effort of packaging and posting to the buyer, and pay a fee to eBay if you agree a sale.
But if you do have any rare, collectible, or limited edition items, you have a chance of getting a better price on an eBay auction that you would on Decluttr.
Facebook Marketplace offers a convenient local option for selling CDs or DVDs without shipping hassles or commission fees.
This platform connects you directly with buyers in your area. Buyers normally collect, so you don't need to worry about postage and packaging and you get paid in cash.
On the flip side, you have to give potential buyers your address before any money changes hands, and you may encounter time wasters and potential scams.
Craigslist provides a free platform to sell old CDs, DVDs, or other media locally without fees.
The site maintains active marketplaces in most cities across North America. As with Facebook, you'll need to communicate with potential buyers directly, which has the same disadvantages that some people don't feel comfortable with.
If you decide that none of these options are right for you, consider donating your CD or DVD collection to a good cause instead.
You can donate your old DVD or CD library to Goodwill or the Salvation Army if you can't find a buyer or decide that selling isn't worth the hassle. This way, the money goes to a good cause and the plastics stay out of landfill.
Goodwill accepts CD and DVD donations at all their drop-off locations throughout the United States. They resell usable media in their thrift stores to fund job training and placement programs.
The main advantage is convenience, with numerous donation centers nationwide and tax deduction receipts provided. However, items in poor condition may not be resold, and some locations occasionally restrict media donations during peak periods.
Most Goodwill locations accept both the discs and their cases.
The Salvation Army accepts CD and DVD donations at their thrift stores and donation centers across North America. They sell donated media to support their social service programs, including homeless shelters and disaster relief.
Like Goodwill, they provide tax-deductible receipts, but typically have fewer locations. The Salvation Army organization accepts all media formats as long as they are in good condition.
If your discs or their cases are not in good enough condition to resell or donate, the next best option is to recycle them.
The best way to recycle your broken or unwanted CDs and DVDs is through specialized mail-in programs from companies like TerraCycle and GreenDisk.
CDs are recyclable, but most curbside recycling programs and transfer stations do not accept them because they are made of multiple materials bonded together (polycarbonate plastic (#7), a metallic layer (usually aluminum), and an acrylic coating).
This mixed composition requires specialized separation processes that most municipal recycling facilities aren't equipped to handle.
The following CD recycling options provide convenient ways to responsibly dispose of your damaged or obsolete media collections.
TerraCycle offers a specialized Media Storage Zero Waste Box for recycling various media formats that cannot be resold or donated. This service accepts a wide range of media storage items including CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, cassette tapes, 8-track tapes, floppy disks, memory sticks, and external hard drives.
The process works in three simple steps.
TerraCycle recycles everything sent to them, including the box itself. This option costs more than other recycling methods. Still, it provides a convenient solution for properly disposing of mixed media collections, scratched discs, broken cases, and obsolete formats that donation centers typically reject.
GreenDisk specializes in recycling electronic media including CDs, DVDs, and cases. The company offers several service options for both individuals and organizations.
Their Technotrash Pack-IT service allows you to send up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg) of mixed media in your own box for $14.95 plus shipping. For larger collections, they offer full-service Technotrash Cans that include the box, secure data destruction, processing, and shipping.
The Standard Can costs $59.95 and holds up to 50 pounds (22.7 kg) while the Tall Can costs $119.95 and accommodates up to 100 pounds (45.36 kg).
GreenDisk provides certified destruction of data stored on all media, and claims 99% of materials they collect are reused or recycled.
Some local recycling facilities accept CDs and DVDs, though availability varies by location. Contact your municipal waste department or local recycling center to confirm their policy on optical media recycling.
The main advantage of local recycling is convenience and no shipping costs if the service is available in your area. The disadvantages include limited availability in most regions and potential inconsistency in processing standards.
Before dropping off your media, call ahead to verify they truly recycle these items rather than sending them to landfills. Ask specifically about their recycling process for handling polycarbonate plastics (the type used in CDs) to ensure proper disposal.
If these formal recycling options don't appeal to you or aren't available in your area, consider creative repurposing as another eco-friendly alternative for your old CDs and DVDs.
Old CDs and DVDs can be reused in various practical and decorative ways around your home. Repurposing projects are fun (especially for kids) and help extend the life of these items before they require recycling.
Consider these fun and practical DIY ideas.
For children's craft projects, CDs provide a shiny base for clock faces, picture frames, or simple toys. The reflective surface works well for light-catching mobiles or wall decorations.
Remember that any reuse extends the life of these items and delays their entry into the waste stream. You can always find proper recycling options for them later.
Before you follow any of these recycling or repurposing ideas, there are a few final steps you might want to take.
Protect your personal information and ensure the best recycling outcome by taking these important steps before sending your old CDs and DVDs for recycling.
