Ways to Recycle CDs

If you are like me, you've managed to accumulate a bunch of music discs that you no longer listen to, either because your musical tastes have changed, or because the discs have become scratched and cracked. But there are ways to reuse them instead of consigning them to the trash.

If they are playable, try swapping them with friends, or selling them at a flea market or garage sale. Sites like Amazon and eBay can also help you sell them. You'll be surprised at how many people snap them up, especially if you price them at a dollar or two. Also, check your yellow pages for locally owned music stores. A few are willing to buy used CDs in good condition for resale.

You can also donate them to your local library. They may add them to their stock, or sell them at a yearly book sale. Either way, you'll be supporting a good cause.

Music which is relaxing, especially classical or instrumental, may be donated to a local hospital , assisted living facility, or hospice. They often loan them out for patients to enjoy in their rooms. If they are instructional (foreign language CDs, reading software for kids, etc.) see if the local school district has a use for them.

Scratched or broken discs can be hung outside, where their reflective properties help to discourage birds from messing your patio, or pecking at fruit and vegetable gardens. Simply string them up at the corner of the house (so they swing freely), on a low tree branch, or on a piece of cord or string stretched across the garden.

They can also be used as an art project. Using a pair of snips (you can use scissors, but they don't work nearly as well, and tend to leave ragged edges), carefully cut and break them up into small pieces, and use the pieces to form mosaics. A word of caution, however; this is not a good project for younger children, as the pieces can be sharp. Use eye protection while cutting, and cover the work area with newspaper to catch the bits. Then vacuum the work area thoroughly when finished.

I've also taken a few tips from those masters of frugal decor, college students. They use CDs as coasters, as artwork (some discs have really striking colors and images, and look beautiful when arranged and framed) and as impromptu bookmarks.

Not in the market for any of these ideas? There are several companies you can find on the web who specialize in shredding and recycling old discs. Yes, you will have to pay a small shipping cost to send your discs, but with over 30 billion of them being produced every year, we need to pitch in and do our part. One site I checked out was the Recycling Center of America (www.cdrecyclingcenter.com).

A little imagination can go a long way toward recycling many common household items, and every little bit helps!