what to do with old cds and dvds
Quick Scoop
If you have old CDs and DVDs, the best options are to sell, donate, recycle through a specialist, digitize, or repurpose them rather than tossing them in regular trash. Most curbside recycling programs do not accept them, so check local drop-off rules or take them to a dedicated recycling service instead.
What You Can Do
- Sell them.
Good-condition discs, box sets, or collectible titles may still have resale value on online marketplaces or secondhand sites.
- Donate them.
Libraries, thrift stores, schools, senior centers, or community groups may accept discs that are still playable and in decent condition.
- Recycle them properly.
CDs and DVDs usually can’t go in household recycling bins, but specialist recyclers and some waste sites may take them.
- Digitize what you want to keep.
If the content matters more than the physical disc, convert it to digital files and store it on a drive or cloud backup.
- Repurpose them.
Old discs can be used for DIY projects like coasters, wall art, ornaments, or craft decorations.
Best Choice By Condition
Condition| Best option
---|---
Clean, playable, and desirable titles| Sell or donate 16
Scratched or mixed collection| Specialist recycling 25
Home movies or personal recordings| Digitize first, then store or recycle 49
You like crafts| Repurpose into decor or useful items 39
Before You Get Rid Of Them
- Check whether any discs contain personal or family media you want to save first by copying them digitally.
- Remove cases, inserts, or paper sleeves if your recycler asks for separation.
- Avoid putting them in general waste if a proper recycling option exists, since these discs are not ideal landfill items.
If you want, I can also give you a super short checklist for sorting your CDs and DVDs in 5 minutes.