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Can you recycle CDs NSW?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 10, 2026

You might be wondering, “Can you recycle CDs?” Quick answer: Yes, of course, you can recycle CDs! Recycling CDs involve the recovery of its components – mainly polycarbonate and aluminium. The recovered materials from recycling CDs can be reused to make other products.

Can I put old CDs in the recycling bin?

Can CDs, DVDs , CD-ROMs and Blu-rays be Recycled? Both the disks and the plastic jewel cases from disks are 100% recycleable.

How do you dispose of CDs in Australia?

Disposal options

  1. Donate to Lifeline who accept clean CDs, DVDs and records. Call to arrange a large donation pick up, or drop off at: Warehouse, 40 Heffernan St, Mitchell Ph: 6241 2901. ...
  2. If reusable, drop off free at The Green Shed at: Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre. Mitchell Resource Management Centre.
  3. Rubbish bin.

What can I do with old CDs in Sydney?

Some companies organise take-back programs where you can donate old devices for a discount. Alternatively, companies like E-Waste Sydney will collect 'end of life' equipment for recycling. Best bet is checking out the Planet Ark resource to see which recycling business is closest to you.

How do I recycle unwanted CDs?

How to dispose of Videos, CDs and DVDs. Old videos, CDs and DVDs in working order can be donated to your local charity shop or bring them to the mobile recycling centre for recycling. Alternatively, you can dispose of them in the red general waste bags after which they are sent for energy recovery.

34 related questions found

Can I put CDs in the recycling bin Australia?

You might be wondering, “Can you recycle CDs?” Quick answer: Yes, of course, you can recycle CDs! Recycling CDs involve the recovery of its components – mainly polycarbonate and aluminium.

Who wants old CDs?

✅ The best place to sell CD's

Ziffit – With 5 star reviews on TrustPilot, this site's worth checking out. Music Magpie – Easy selling process and fast payments. Momox – Instant price offers and free shipping. Zapper – Sell a whole host of things on Zapper as well as your old CDs.

Can DVD discs be recycled?

Since CDs and DVDs are made of polycarbonate they can be recycled. That way you are freeing up space in your home or office and at the same time helping to save the planet. Discs that you decide to recycle or chuck whole into the bin can easily be retrieved, popped into a drive and read.

Can you recycle DVDs Australia?

They can be recycled into useful products, so think of them as a resource, not as trash. In Australia, recycling extends beyond your bin service. E-waste such as compact discs and DVDs are perfect examples of items that end up in landfill because people are not aware of how to properly recycle them.

How do I dispose of old VHS tapes in Australia?

You cannot biodegrade VHS tapes; it will only persist in a landfill if you throw in the general waste bin. Instead, you can let VHS videos and audio cassette tapes be repaired or recycled by different companies here in Australia. Just a quick reminder: do not throw them in your recycling bin.

What can I do with old CDs in the garden?

If you're searching for Things to Make from CDs in the garden, these 17 DIY Uses for Old CDs and DVDs are worth looking at!

  1. CD Plant Markers. ...
  2. DIY CD Wreath. ...
  3. Keep Critters Away from Fruit Trees. ...
  4. Vibrant CD Spinners. ...
  5. Decorative Bird Repellent from Old CDs. ...
  6. DIY Coffee Can+CD Wind Chime. ...
  7. Cool Wind Chime Craft.

How do you destroy CDs and floppy disks?

Wrap the discs with plastic wrap and then fold it until it breaks. Shred the discs with a disc shredder. Cut the discs. You can use a pair of scissors, but be careful as the foil will flake.

What to do with old CDs without cases?

If your curbside recycling program doesn't take CDs or cases, your local recycling center might. Can't find any local solutions? Try getting in touch with GreenDisk or the CD Recycling Center of America. You can mail your materials to either of these recycling centers.

Who will take CDs and DVDs?

Unwanted CDs, DVDs and records can be donated to charity shops or sold on sites like Zapper and Ziffit. Some Recycling Centres accept these items but this service does vary across the country. It's best to check with your local authority.

Can I put DVD cases in the recycle bin?

Although CD and DVD cases are recyclable, you SHOULDN'T put them in the recycle bin. The reason for this is quite simple. CD and DVD cases come in plastic materials. The CD and DVD plastic materials are #6 plastic materials.

Why are old CDs considered hazardous?

Over time, CDs can release Bisphenol A (BPA), which can cause health implications in humans. Burning CDs releases toxic fumes into the air we breathe, and they require a special recycling process that isn't accepted in single-stream recycling bins.

Are CDs worth anything?

Surprisingly, many record shops still buy and sell used CDs, as do some used-book stores. Bob Fuchs, general manager of The Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, said used sales have held strong even while new CDs have tanked because “they're so cheap now, you can go home with four or five new albums for about $20.”

Should I throw away my CDs?

YES! One way to dispose of old CDs is to recycle them. CDs and their plastic cases can be sent to a recycling center where they are sorted, shredded and melted into a low grade of raw plastic suitable for use in the automotive and building materials industries.

What do I do with my DVD collection?

Thrift stores often accept DVDs in good condition and profits often go to a good cause. You can also give away your discs on websites like Craigslist or Freecycle. Perhaps someone else will enjoy your movies! Organizations like Operation Showtime and DVDs to The Troops pass on unwanted discs for troops to watch.

Can you shred CDs in a paper shredder?

Yes, some paper shredders are able to shred CDs and DVDs besides confidential documents. These shredders are equipped with a separate slot to shred compact disks into small 'unreadable' pieces.

Can you cut a CD with scissors?

(Any sharp scissors will probably work.) If the CD becomes hard to cut, stop cutting, reheat the area, and begin cutting again. When the CD is the right temperature, the scissors will easily cut it.

Why do people hang CDs in a tree?

Old CDs are cheap and very simple to make use of. It is all about hanging them loosely on trees so that even a very gentle breeze could move them. As a result, the CDs reflect the sun rays in several directions scaring approaching animals. It is important to change the location of discs from time to time.

Do CDs scare away birds?

A CD's shiny reflection can help keep birds away from plants. Birds are often deterred from landing on or near garden vegetables if their vision is distracted. A shiny, reflective CD hanging near the garden provides just the right movement and distraction needed to keep the birds away.

Do CDs scare squirrels?

The Old Farmer's Almanac says sheets of aluminum foil can be stretched over the top of container plants to keep the creatures at bay. Old CDs placed in the garden can also drive squirrels away. A burst of water from a sprinkler can give squirrels an unpleasant surprise if they venture too close to your plants.

What should I do with old cassette tapes?

What To Do With Your Old Tape Cassettes

  1. Recycling Tape Cassettes. Tape cassettes are extremely difficult to dispose of because of the type of plastic that composes the shell. ...
  2. Donate or Resell Your Cassettes. ...
  3. Use Tape Cassettes in DIY Projects. ...
  4. Digitize Your Tape Cassettes.