In a digital world where we consume most media online, through our phones or through streaming services, the era of CDs and DVDs is drawing to a close. If, like many other households who enjoy physical copies of music and movies, you have a mountain of old, unwanted discs, you may be curious about how to get rid of them.
In this article, we outline not only how to go about CD and DVD recycling; but also whether or not the cases that housed DVDs are recyclable so that you know your old items aren’t contributing to landfills.
Let’s delve into it.
Table of contents
- Understanding DVD and CD waste in Australia
- Can you recycle CDs and DVDs?
- Is there a difference in how DVDs and CDs are recycled?
- Can you recycle CDs and DVD covers/cases?
- Where can I recycle old DVDs and CDs?
- The Impact of Improper E-Waste Disposal in Australia
Understanding DVD and CD Waste in Australia
The rapid advancement of technology has resulted in the upgrading of digital gadgets and devices, meaning older models are being thrown away. This is contributing to the world’s fastest-growing waste system, and Australia is up there with one of the worst perpetrators.
Ranking number fifth among the world’s top producers of e-waste, Australia is a huge contributor to this problem. The rate at which e-waste is growing is three times that of general waste, and 140,000 tonnes of electric waste is produced each year – that means 88% of the 4 million computers and 3 million TVs purchased end up in landfills.
If you’re hoping to get rid of old CDs and DVDs, it’s not as simple as just popping them in the bin. CDs and DVDs are non-biodegradable and contain toxic chemicals and metals that can contaminate the environment if landfilled.
Can You Recycle CDs and DVDs?
All types and formats of CDs and DVDs can be recycled. When recycling CDs and DVDs, both discs undergo a similar process to recover reusable materials such as polycarbonate (a type of plastic) and aluminium for reuse in the manufacture of other products.
Is There a Difference in How DVDs and CDs Are Recycled?
Both discs are recycled in a similar fashion. During the recycling process, the metallic coating is removed, and the plastic is granulated and then recycled.
Disc recycling processes can recover about 98% of the original disc and reuse this material. The recovered plastics and metals are then used again across a range of plastic products and metal parts in Australia. Many damaged CDs and DVDs can also be reused or resold.
Can You Recycle CDs and DVD Covers/Cases?
Plastic CD and DVD cases are recycled along with other plastics of the same type, all you have to do is remove the paper inserts. You are then able to add these to waste bins that are used to recycle plastic.
The paper inserts can be handed over to paper recyclers for processing so that all components of these cases are properly taken care of.
Where Can I Recycle Old DVDs and CDs?
A number of companies in Australia offer recycling services or repair services for CDs and DVDs.
Officeworks is Australia's largest supplier of office and stationery products, and they can accept CDs and DVDs through their e-waste recycling scheme. They have numerous stores located across Australia. All you have to do is take the discs (without covers) to the stores.
However, it is worth noting that many companies often only accept commercial quantities of discs and will not accept small amounts from households. Ridly can help with all quantities of e-waste, from commercial to domestic.
The Impact of Improper E-Waste Disposal in Australia
When disposed of improperly, e-waste has a hugely negative impact on the environment. Often ending up in landfills, toxic metals like lead, mercury and cadmium can leak into the soil and water and add to pollution.
Many e-waste items also contain plastics, and when they burn, they contribute to greenhouse gases – which is a huge cause of climate change. According to an Australian Bureau of Statistics study, e-waste contributes to around 3% of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions.
As the leading electronic waste disposal and recycling expert, Ridly offers the most efficient, reliable and cost-effective rubbish and e-waste removal services in Sydney. Whether the job is on a larger scale or is for domestic purposes, just give us a call, and we can come to you.
E-waste includes a broad range of discarded electronic devices, computers, smartphones and other IT equipment. We’ll help you get rid of all old electronics, from old TVs to computer parts, broken remotes, and mobile phones.
Simply fill out our form, or give us a call, and our Sydney-based rubbish removalists will get back to you. Our quotes are free and our pricing is upfront, so you will given a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Ridly Rubbish Removal will pick up your rubbish Sydney-wide, so give us a call today for a quote and let us efficiently rid you of your old, unwanted CDs and DVDs.