Impact of CDs and DVDs
While high-quality CDs could last for 50 to 100 years under ideal conditions, this isn’t true for many low-quality, cheap CDs. CDs & DVD’s usually can’t be recycled because they’re made of mixed materials, which are difficult and uneconomical to separate into their component parts for recycling.
Reduce
- Rent DVDs through an established scheme. Once you’ve watched it, send it back and get a new one. No need to buy as many discs, saving you money and space.
- Rent films and CDs from your local library.
- Check if your library allows you to download e-books on to your computer or phone.
- Download songs and films from a reputable website.
Reuse
- Swap your unwanted discs with friends and family.
- Sell your unwanted discs on a website such as Amazon.
- Cut damaged discs into assorted shapes and make decorations from them.
- Use damaged discs as coasters.
Recycle
There are lots of organisations that recycle CDs and DVDs. A simple internet search on ‘recycling cds’ will give you a list of organisations. Usually you will need to pay the postage.