Are CD and DVD Cases Recyclable? How Do You Properly Dispose of Them?

About a decade and a half ago, CDs and DVDs were all the rage. We used them to listen to music, watch movies, and even store data. But as technology has advanced, CD and DVD cases have become less useful and are almost obsolete.

So what happens to all of those CD and DVD cases? Are they recyclable?

The answer is yes: CD and DVD cases are generally recyclable. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they can go through your regular recycling bin. CD cases are usually made of polystyrene, which is not accepted in many curbside recycling programs.

This then begs the question, “How do you properly recycle or dispose of CD and DVD cases?” Read on to find out.

What Are CD and DVD Cases Made Of?

CD and DVD cases are typically made of polystyrene. Polystyrene, also known as styrofoam, is a type of plastic that’s mostly used for packaging. It’s lightweight and relatively durable, which makes it a great choice for CD and DVD cases.

The problem with polystyrene is that it’s not very recyclable. Since it’s lightweight and has low-quality construction, most curbside recycling programs won’t accept CD and DVD cases. It’s also very difficult for recycling facilities to get polystyrene into its base form so they can repurpose it into something else.

How Do You Recycle CDs and DVD Cases?

CD and DVD cases can be recycled through special drop-off programs. Many major retailers, such as Best Buy, Staples, and Walmart, have CD and DVD recycling programs. You can also look into local recycling centers that accept polystyrene products.

If you’re unable to find a CD or DVD recycling program in your area, you might consider donating the cases. Organizations like the Salvation Army have CD case donation programs that can put your unwanted CD and DVD cases to good use.

But what if you’re unable to donate or recycle CD and DVD cases? In that case, you can check with your local grocery store or retail store to see if they’ll accept CD and DVD cases for recycling.

Why Should We Always Recycle CD and DVD Cases?

Sometimes dropping off CD and DVD cases at a recycling center may seem like too much work, considering you could just throw them in the trash. However, here are a couple of compelling reasons why we should always do our best to recycle CD and DVD cases.

1. Helps Conserve Our Natural Resources

CD and DVD cases are made from polystyrene, a type of plastic that comes from fossil fuels. By recycling, we can help conserve our natural resources. Recycling plastic means we don’t have to use as much oil and gas to produce new products.

2. Reduces Waste in Landfills

Recycling CD and DVD cases can also reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. CD cases are small, but they can add up quickly if we don’t recycle or repurpose them properly. The less plastic that ends up in landfills, the better for our environment.

3. Helps Protects Wildlife and Ecosystems

CD and DVD cases can harm wildlife and our ecosystems if we don’t dispose of them properly. Plastic can take centuries to decompose and end up in oceans or rivers, harming animals and polluting water sources.

Recycling CD and DVD cases can help protect our wildlife and ecosystems. This is especially important if you live near a body of water or in an area with a high concentration of wildlife.

4. Helps Conserve Energy

Recycling CD and DVD cases also helps conserve energy. Recycling means we don’t have to use as much energy to melt down the plastic and turn it into something else. This can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which is good for the environment.

5. Reduces Carbon Emissions

CD and DVD recycling also helps reduce carbon emissions. CD cases require a lot of energy to produce and transport, leading to many carbon emissions. These emissions can contribute to global warming and climate change. Recycling can reduce our carbon footprint and sidestep a looming climate disaster.

6. Cheaper Than Waste Collection and Disposal

CD and DVD recycling is cheaper than waste collection and disposal. CD cases are too small for most trash cans, so you’ll have to pay more for your waste management services. By recycling, you can save money on waste collection and disposal fees.

7. Creates a Lot of Job Opportunities

CD and DVD recycling creates a lot of job opportunities. CD cases are made from polystyrene, a valuable material that can be repurposed or recycled into something else. This means it can create a lot of jobs in the manufacturing, processing, and transportation industries.

Final Thoughts

So the next time you’re done with a CD or DVD case, think about recycling it. CD and DVD cases are recyclable, but they don’t always make it through curbside recycling programs. Look into CD and DVD donation programs or drop-off sites to recycle your CD cases properly.

Doing so will help protect our natural resources, reduce waste in landfills, and conserve energy. Plus, recycling creates a lot of job opportunities.

Featured Image Credit: Jirik V, Shutterstock