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Recycle CD and DVDWondering what goes on in recycling centers to recycle CD and DVD? Wondering what else you can do with unwanted CDs and DVDs, other than recycle them? Read on. What CDs and DVDs are made of CDs (ie. Compact Discs) and DVDs (ie. digital versatile discs or digital video discs) comprise of a mainly polycarbonate (type 7 plastic) disc body (ie. 75% by volume), with dye and reflective layers on the surface. Sending CDs and DVDs to landfills is not the best way of disposing of them, as the materials used to make CDs and DVDs are not biodegradable. In fact, they may release Bisphenol A into the environment and have an adverse impact on our health. In turn, burning CDs and DVDs in incinerators releases much toxic fumes into the air. The best way to go is actually to reuse and recycle CDs and DVDs. Read more about what else you can do with unwanted CDs and DVDs below. The recycle CDs and DVDs process The generic process to recycle CDs and DVDs basically involves the generic recycling process of collecting the recyclables, sorting them by their types, processing them into raw materials and manufacturing new products using these recycled raw materials. Nevertheless, there are some variations from the process of recycling other materials. To start the recycle CDs and DVDs process, the CDs and DVDs are separated from their cases or covers so that only the discs are accumulated for recycling purposes. The cases and cover (made of paper as well as plastic) may be sorted and kept separately, so that they too may be sent for recycling at their respective recycling centers. In some instances, the surface of the CDs and DVDs (eg. using sand or mechanic action) is burnished to remove the dye and reflective surface. Subsequently, the removed dye and reflective surfaces are treated with chemicals to retrieve the valuable metals used in making the CDs, as well as the polycarbonate plastic disc. For example, in a Hong Kong Olympiad school project, Sing Yin Secondary School found that ethanol and Fenton’s Reagent (ie. ferrous iron and hydrogen peroxide) could be used to dissolve away the dyes, breaking them down into substances like carbon dioxide and water, leaving behind the metals. In turn, the remaining plastic disc is washed and can then be reused to make new CDs and DVDs, or shredded into polycarbonate regrind (a form of raw plastic material) for reuse in automobile manufacturing or the construction industry. In a variation of the recycling process, the CDs and DVDs are first shredded, before they are melted and de-metalized (ie. the metals used in the production of CDs and DVDs are removed). This process leaves behind plastic that can be reused as a raw material in the manufacturing industry. Tips on recycling CDs and DVDs Because CDs and DVDs aren’t worth very much (it is the data that costs!), you are unlikely to be paid when you recycle CDs and DVDs. Nevertheless, it is important to recycle CDs and DVDs, because you are doing your part for the earth! Over the years, the numbers of recycling companies that have taken on the task to recycle CDs and DVDs have increased. Some organizations that accept unwanted CDs and DVDs for recycling include Diskrecycling.co.uk in the United Kingdom, Greendisk.com in Washington and the Compact Disc Recycling Center of America. Check out the other recycling collection centres that take in unwanted CDs and DVDs. It doesn't matter what condition your CDs or DVDs are in. Even broken ones will be accepted. Nevertheless, shredded discs should never be mixed with other shredded materials (eg. shredded paper), as it can lead to contamination in the recycling process. If you are worried about data in your CD or DVD, you can cut the CD or DVD into half using a pair of heavy duty tin shears first, before you send them for recycling. Alternatively, you can destroy the CD or DVD by breaking it into two using your hands. But do remember to wear a glove and break the disc in a container or a bag. In this way, when the CD or DVD shatters, the sharp plastic bits of the CD or DVD would not hurt you. What else to do with unwanted CDs and DVDs In line with the Reduce Reuse Recycle principle of waste management, it is actually best to first reduce, and then reuse, rather than to recycle CDs and DVDs. Recycling your CDs and DVDs should come last. Here are some tips to reduce the use of CDs and DVDs:
Here are some tips to reuse your CDs and DVDs:
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