What to do with CDs & DVDs
Because technology is always changing, it seems we are perpetually buying the lastest and greatest electronic gadget. When was the last time you went jogging with your portable cassette or CD player? Chances are, your music collection is currently compilled on an mp3 player or bluetooth device. In the music industry alone, we’ve listened on record players, eight track devices, cassettes, CD’s and now little rectangles hold music collections that once filled entire rooms.
What is E-Waste?
E-waste is what electronic waste is referred to as when it has reached the end of its, “useful life.” E-Waste can include outdated or obsolete televisions, music playing devices, VCR’s, DVD players or computers. Keyboards and others computer accessories are also included in e-waste
E-waste is becoming a growing component of landfill waste. As new technology is constantly being created, it seems the latest big new thing is often considered, “old technology,” by the time you take it home. However, as you upgrade, e-waste should be kept out of your trash receptacle, it should also be kept out of your single-stream recycling bin. Because of its many components and electrical wiring, E-waste requires special disposal and has a very specific recycling process, which is why it’s becoming such a problem.
What are CDs and DVDs Made of?
CD/DVD recycling is so easy because of the materials they’re made of. Even though CDs are made of high value recyclable materials like polycarbonate plastic and aluminum, they’re not accepted in Millennium’s single-stream recycling bins.
Landfills are not a viable disposal option because CDs don’t break down easily. Over time, CDs can release Bisphenol A (BPA), which can cause health problems in humans. You may see water bottles, or food containers claiming to be “BPA free.” Burning CDs is also not appropriate as it releases toxic fumes into the air we breathe, and they require a special recycling process that isn’t accepted in single-stream recycling bins.
Consider This:
- To manufacture a pound of plastic (30 CDs per pound), it requires 300 cubic feet of natural gas, 2 cups of crude oil and 24 gallons of water
- Because CDs are not biodegradable, it is estimated that it will take over 1 million years for a CD to completely decompose in a landfill.
- More than 5.5 million boxes of software go to landfills and incinerators, in addition to the millions of CDs people throw away each year.
- Every month approximately 100,000 pounds of CDs become obsolete (outdated, useless, or unwanted). Source: Ecocoalition.org What Can You Do?
What Can You Do?
Reduce:
Convert your music to a digital streaming service like Pandora, Google Music, Amazon Music, or Apple Radio are all great ways to listen to your favorite music.
- Services like Hulu and Netflix allow you to stream all your favorite TV Shows and Movies. Doint this will not only reduce e-waste, it will also clear up some room in your home
- By switching from physical to digital, you reduce the amount of e-waste you produce. More and more products are produced digitally, which cuts back on packaging waste as well as production waste.
Recycle:
- The Compact Disc Recycling Center was founded in 2006 to provide consumers and companies education, awareness, and options for easy CD and DVD recycling. The website provides valuable information on how to take part in and where to find CD recycling near them.
- Free CD/DVD Recycling & Free Hard Drive Recycling services are offered by
Back Thru The Future Technology Disposal to consumers.
Even though CDs and DVDs can’t be placed in your single-stream recycling bin, Millennium Waste offers residential service that include bi-weekly, curbside recycling along with weekly trash collection. If you have any questions about residential service, or would like to request service, please contact us or call us at (309) 787-2303
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