Don’t Just Trash Trashy CDs
So, I’ve taken on the rather massive task of clearing out my CD collection and putting all the good stuff on the Pod. In the process, I’ve figured out that I own a lot of crap that I should definitely get rid of…but what to with the crap I own? The dilemma here is that I can’t just throw it out – CDs do not biodegrade and neither do those jewel cases. (Same rule for DVDs applies, BTW)
So here’s what I found out, for those of you in a similar position…not that I’m saying you listen to crap…you know, just in case you wanted to ditch that duplicate copy of “Olivia Newton-John’s Greatest Hits.” (Hey, don’t judge. I own it AND it’s on the Pod):
You can sell those discs to make a little extra spring cash. I like Amoeba, here in LA, but there are two tons of used CD stores just dying to take those tunes off your hands. Just Google “used CD stores” for one in your area.
For DVDs, you can donate to KidFlicks, a team of young girls who collect used movies to create video libraries for children in hospitals. For donation info, go HERE.
If you just want to get rid of those unwanted CDs, simply so you don't inflict the soundtrack from "Xanadu" on unsuspecting listeners, send them to someone who can recycle them responsibly…and for FREE! Someone like The Compact Disc Recycling Center of America.
3 Comments
Leave a comment
About this blog
Roxanne Kotzman is a Daily News Photo Department veteran of nine years. When she and longtime friend Stacy Long
discovered their love all of all things environmentally responsible, they launched Happy Monkey Planet and jumped head-first into the vibrant eco-community.
Wow, so much to learn! But initially the idea is a pretty simple one: Let's change the world through information, education and action.
Rox & Stacy are a lot like you: ecologically minded but sometimes just plain overwhelmed when charged with the task of making a far-reaching difference in the environment. They have jobs, families, homes, lives and pets.
But what if doing better was a simple as a light-bulb change, a reusable canvas grocery bag, recycling that soda can or a cold-water wash?
These eco-chicks just hope to have a little fun, learn a little more, share a lot of information and maybe make the planet a happier, greener, cleaner place.
We get so many promotional CDs and DVDs here at the Daily News, I think it would be great if we could somehow have a "disc recycling" program here where we had a special can into which we could pitch them and know they would be recycled.
Stacy and Roxanne, do you have any idea how we could do that?
The Compact Disc Recycling Center of America would certainly take them. The glitch is you have to pay for the shipping to New Hampshire. I think we know the problem with that. I have a line on a local option that I will check into next week.
I think a recycling program at the DN is a great idea. Some individuals have their own little recycle systems going for plastic bottles and cans but it would be great if we could do something official. I’m definitely going to look into that local CD and DVD recycle center and get it up on the blog.
The answer is! There is a place in LA called California Recycles that will take CDs and DVDs for recycling. The only issue is that it does cost .50 per pound for naked discs, sans jewel cases; they will take those for free. How many discs are in a pound you ask yourself? Approximately 30. So it's not that bad that's 120 CDs for two-bucks. Maybe we can take up a collection and get volunteers to sort them.