Everything you need to know about recycling CDs and DVDs
Learn more about recycling CDs and DVDs
How to recycle CDs and DVDs
Some companies in Australia offer recycling services for CDs and DVDs, however, most will likely only accept commercial quantities and will not accept small amounts from households. Always call the recycler in advance to see if they will accept small quantities.
If the CDs and DVDs are in good condition, you may be able to donate them so they can be reused. Check with your local charity shop or place an advert on an online marketplace such as Facebook Marketplace.
Why recycle?
All types and formats of CDs and DVDs can be recycled, enabling the recovery of valuable resources such as polycarbonate (a type of plastic) and aluminium for reuse in the manufacture of other products. Disc recycling processes can recover about 98% of the original disc as reusable material. Sometimes damaged CDs and DVDs can be reconditioned, allowing them to be reused or resold.
What happens to them?
During the recycling process, the metallic coating is removed, and the plastic is granulated and then recycled. Plastic CD and DVD cases are recycled along with other plastics of the same type. Any paper inserts are given to paper recyclers for processing. The recovered plastics and metals are used in Australia for manufacturing various types of plastic products and metal parts.
