CDs and DVDs - Burbank Recycling Guide (2024)

These outdated technology items are not recycled locally given they are made of unrecyclable plastic–CD (jewel –clear or with a black insert) cases are polystyrene (#6 plastic), while the discs themselves are polycarbonate(#7 plastic). Black DVD cases are also made from #6 plastic andhas a clear acetate outer cover (that allows for custom printed wrap inserts) that also are not recyclable.

However, there are some special recycling mail-in programs(these may require a fee):

  • GreenDisk– takes CD, DVD Disc, floppy disks, cases, VHS, cassette tapes, computer drives, cell phones and similar, rechargeable batteries, small electronics, inkjet and toner cartridges, black and white film (only) and negatives, x-rays, electronic accessories. See website for full list.
  • Back Thru the Future, Technology Recycling– takes CDs and DVDs.

Reduce and Reuse by DONATING or giving to others:

Check with record collectors if there are titles that are historically significant or offer up on localBuy Nothing groups or other marketplace social media outlets.

The Central Library might be interested in your no longer wanted CD’s, DVDs, VHS, and magazines. To learn more:https://burbanklibrary.org/friends-donations

Check outEarth 911’s recycling guideon VHS and CD’s to learn more.

Alternative Ways to Recycle

CD Recycling Center

Recycle unwanted or damaged discs by dropping them off at a CD recycling center. Search for a CD recycling center nearest you.

Mail in to GreenDisk

GreenDisk is a company that provides secured and audited disposal of personal property stored on digital media. They offer multiple options for disposing of your CDs and DVDs. Find out more.

Ways to Reuse

Upcycle into Decorations

Consider up-cycling CDs into a home or holiday decoration, such as an ornament.Find more DIY ideas.

CDs and DVDs - Burbank Recycling Guide (2024)

FAQs

CDs and DVDs - Burbank Recycling Guide? ›

GreenDisk– takes CD, DVD Disc, floppy disks, cases, VHS, cassette tapes, computer drives, cell phones and similar, rechargeable batteries, small electronics, inkjet and toner cartridges, black and white film (only) and negatives, x-rays, electronic accessories.

What should I do with old CDs and DVDs? ›

Contents
  1. Sell Them Online.
  2. Sell Them In Person.
  3. Donate Them to Charity.
  4. Upcycling.
  5. Recycling CDs.
  6. Find Specialized Disposal Services.
  7. A Note to Music Fans.
  8. If In Doubt, Digitalize First.
Mar 5, 2024

How can I recycle CDs and DVDs? ›

How to recycle DVDs and CDs. Unwanted CDs, DVDs and records can be donated to charity shops or sold on sites like Zapper and Ziffit. Some Recycling Centres accept these items but this service does vary across the country. It's best to check with your local authority.

Where can I get rid of my old DVDs? ›

We recommend recycling your old DVDs by taking them to a charity shop, or selling them online. Or take to any household waste recycling centre for no charge.

Can I put DVD cases in the recycle bin? ›

DVDs and DVD cases are recyclable, but if you have a working DVD, it is better to donate or sell it so that others can enjoy the content without needing to make a new DVD. The DVD recycling process is specialized, requiring separating the layers that make up the discs to recover polycarbonate plastic and metals.

Should I throw out my old CDs? ›

CDs don't biodegrade and can release harmful chemicals in landfills. It's best not to throw away old discs unless you have no other choice. A better option is to donate them to thrift stores or to music resellers who might resell them.

Should I throw away my old DVDs? ›

Recycle your old DVDs

Surprisingly, DVDs – and their plastic cases – are recyclable. However, the catch is that you can't just toss them in with your household recycling, so you need to bring them to a recycling centre. Several online services will also pick up your DVDs for a small price and take them to be recycled.

Is there a market for old CDs and DVDs? ›

Absolutely! Although streaming and digital music are the most popular ways to listen these days, lots of people prefer the collectable nature and superior sound quality of CDs. This demand means that the vast majority of CDs are still worth something - and the amount you can make soon adds up!

Why can't CDs be recycled? ›

You can find them at your local . gov or local sanitation department's website. Most CD cases are polystyrene (plastic #6), while the discs themselves are typically polycarbonate (plastic #7). These are typically harder plastics to recycle, making CD recycling difficult.

Can I throw away old VHS tapes? ›

The tapes aren't dangerous so long as they don't start to break down, but there's enough toxic metal there to earn them classification of electronic waste, or “e-waste.” That means you can't just dump your old tapes in the landfill—those metals will eventually leach out in the dump, potentially contaminating the ...

Will anyone buy old DVDs? ›

To sell used DVDs to Decluttr, all you have to do is enter each DVD's barcode number on the site or use Decluttr's mobile app scanner. From there, you get a quote for how much each DVD is worth. From there, you ship your DVDs to Decluttr, and the company provides a prepaid shipping label.

Does anyone collect DVDs anymore? ›

Collectors around the world hold onto DVDs and Blu-rays for a number of reasons, but what's the future of this platform? Think twice before giving up on DVDs, because they're more valuable to your viewing experience than you might think.

What to do with unwanted CDs? ›

Throwing them away will just lead to them being in landfill for a staggeringly long time. There are many ways in which you can get rid of your old CDs and DVDs such as selling them, donating them to a charity shop or recycling them at a recycling centre.

Can I put mugs in the recycling bin? ›

Did you know that ceramics – like bowls, cups, jugs, plates and vases can't be recycled in the same way as common glass bottles and jars, like those used for food and drinks? If you need to get rid of any broken ceramics, please place them inside your bag or bin for non-recyclable waste.

What can I put in my recycling bin? ›

You can recycle:
  • glass bottles and jars.
  • plastic bottles, tubs and trays unless it's black plastic.
  • tins, cans and empty aerosol cans.
  • kitchen foil and foil meal containers.
  • cardboard like cereal boxes, toilet roll tubes, food and drink cartons.
  • cartons and Tetrapaks (often used for juice cartons)
  • cards without glitter.

Are old CDs and DVDs worth anything? ›

Absolutely! Although streaming and digital music are the most popular ways to listen these days, lots of people prefer the collectable nature and superior sound quality of CDs. This demand means that the vast majority of CDs are still worth something - and the amount you can make soon adds up!

Is it worth keeping DVDs and CDs? ›

Longevity. Physical CDs and DVDs can last a lifetime, provided they're properly stored and taken care of. They can be stored in CD cases or DVD cases. Unlike digital downloads, physical media doesn't run the risk of becoming obsolete or being lost in a digital crash.

What is the best way to destroy CDs and DVDs? ›

When the time comes to get rid of old CDs and DVDs, you want to make sure that you do so in a way that's safe and secure. The best way to do this is to use a shredder. Shredders for CDs/DVDs are specifically designed to destroy these optical media, along with clips, staples, paper, and even payment cards.

Does anyone buy CDs or DVDs anymore? ›

CD sales are on the rise again, and for good reason. In fact, there are a lot of good reasons. It's 2024 and streaming makes up more than 84 percent of the music industry. But there's still a lot of love for physical audio formats.

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