Dear “Earth Talk”: How can I recycle my unwanted CDs and DVDs? — Mike
Wells, Oswego, Ill.
Compact discs and digital videodiscs have become the de facto standards for
media storage and playback for millions of consumers and businesses around the
world. But the very popularity of these inexpensive five-inch-diameter discs
made of metal, plastic, and dye is taking a serious toll on the waste stream.
According to the Worldwatch Institute, more than 45 tons of used CDs are discarded
globally every month. Ironically, CDs and DVDs are made from recyclable materials,
yet the vast majority ends up in landfills or incinerators anyway. As with minimizing
any waste, the three R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) apply:
For starters, consumers can reduce the number of discs that they purchase.
Worldwatch suggests that consumers search online for information and media so
as to avoid purchasing CDs and DVDs in the first place. For those situations
in which virtual media is not available or practical, Worldwatch recommends
looking for used CDs and DVDs to save both materials and money. Amazon.com makes
finding and buying used discs directly from individual sellers as easy as searching
its site for the titles you want. Also, many libraries now lend CDs and DVDs
as readily as they do books.
For the discerning craftsperson or fun-loving kid, reuse means turning old
discs into key components in any number of toys and decorations. Crafty end
uses include turning them into disco balls by gluing them to a hanging ball,
making drink coasters by attaching cork to one side, or attaching them to roadside
fences or bicycle seat-posts to serve as safety reflectors. The National Aeronautics
and Space Agency (NASA) offers tips on how to turn an old CD or DVD into a model
of the planet Saturn. Indeed, the sky’s the limit with what can be done with
old discs.
Those looking to recycle CDs and DVDs have several options. The best deal
financially is to sell your unwanted discs to retail stores that sell used titles.
Trading with friends or co-workers is another waste-free option. Beyond selling
or trading, NESAR Systems of Darlington, Pa., and MRC Polymers of Chicago, Ill.,
will take and recycle old discs at no charge (you pay postage) and use the raw
materials to make new discs. Likewise, Greendisk of Redmond, Wash., will recycle
CDs and DVDs, as well as a wide range of other technology-related refuse, for
a fee of 10 cents per pound to cover labor costs (again, you pay postage).
All these options aside, the best scenario is to not have to get rid of old
CDs and DVDs in the first place. Consumers should only buy CDs and DVDs that
they intend to keep and should ask to be taken off mailing lists that generate
junk mail with enclosed CDs. With so many ecoresponsible options available these
days, sending old discs to the “circular file” surely makes no sense.
For more information: Worldwatch Institute, 202-452-1999, www.worldwatch.org;
NASA Space Place: Saturn Model, spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/cassini_make1.shtml;
NESAR Systems, 420 Ashwood Rd., Darlington, Pa. 16115, 724-827-8172; MRC Polymers,
3307 South Londale Ave., Chicago 60623, 773-890-9000; Greendisk, 16398 NE 85th
St., Redmond, Wash. 98052, 425-883-9165, www.greendisk.com.
Send questions to “Earth Talk” in care of E/The Environmental
Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; or e-mail earthtalk@emagazine.com.
This article appears in Nov 18-24, 2004.
