Are CDs and DVDs recyclable?

Find the closest place to recycle CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes, floppy disks, video tapes, and vinyl records. Also, find answers to CD & tape recycling FAQs. Find the closest place to recycle CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes, floppy disks, video tapes, and vinyl records. read more

CDs and DVDs are mainly plastic with resin identification code 7 and chances are your local curbside recycling program will not accept them (this will depend on where you live). CDs and DVDs do however contain a number of recyclable materials; they largely consist of polycarbonate, but often also contain aluminium, lacquer and gold. read more

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. read more