Can You Recycle CDs?
Most curbside recycling programs don't accept CDs because the polycarbonate plastic is difficult to process. However, many office supply stores and specialty recyclers accept them. Some communities have electronics recycling events that include optical discs.
Key Takeaways
- CDs and DVDs are made from polycarbonate plastic (#7), which is technically recyclable but not commonly accepted in household recycling bins.
- Blank CDs and burned discs are just as recyclable as commercial ones—the plastic is the same.
- CD cases are usually polystyrene (#6) or polypropylene (#5) and may be recyclable in regular plastic recycling depending on your area.
Explanation
CDs and DVDs are made from polycarbonate plastic (#7), which is technically recyclable but not commonly accepted in household recycling bins. The reflective metal layer and lacquer coating complicate the recycling process.
Best Buy, Staples, and other retailers often have electronics recycling programs that accept optical discs. Local e-waste collection events typically take them as well. Some specialized companies like GreenDisk and CD Recycling Center of America accept mail-in shipments.
Before recycling, consider other uses: CDs make effective bird deterrents for gardens, craft materials for kids, or coasters. Old software discs may have value to collectors. For scratched music CDs, many libraries accept donations for their collections.
A single CD contains about 6 grams of polycarbonate plastic and approximately 0.05 grams of aluminum in its reflective layer. While these amounts seem small, the EPA estimates that billions of discs have been produced since the 1980s, representing tens of thousands of tons of recyclable material. Polycarbonate recovered from CDs can be reprocessed into automotive parts, building materials, and electronics housings. The recycling process involves shredding the discs, separating the metal layer, and melting the polycarbonate for repelletizing.
Blu-ray discs have a different composition than standard CDs and DVDs. They use a thinner polycarbonate layer with a hard coating, and the data layer uses a different type of reflective alloy. Despite these differences, Blu-rays can be recycled through the same specialty programs that handle CDs and DVDs. Game discs for PlayStation, Xbox, and older consoles follow the same recycling pathways as standard optical media.
Things to Know
- Blank CDs and burned discs are just as recyclable as commercial ones—the plastic is the same.
- CD cases are usually polystyrene (#6) or polypropylene (#5) and may be recyclable in regular plastic recycling depending on your area.
- Remove any paper inserts and recycle those separately with paper recycling.
- Shred or destroy CDs containing personal data before recycling to protect your privacy.