Having a massive collection of CDs used to be essential. It was the only way to enjoy the vast quantity of tunes that were out there. You could spend many happy hours listening to great (and sometimes not so great) albums, only having to get up once every 12 songs or so to put on something new to enjoy.
Oh, how times have changed. With the advent of music streaming services, digital copies and even YouTube, that vast collection of CDs is most probably gathering dust somewhere or possibly tumbling out of a bulging cupboard every time you try to open the door. If you have ripped all your old music and created digital copies instead, it could be time to clear out your old CD collection, but what are the best ways to do it?
Sell Your CDs
One of the best ways to get rid of your CDs is to sell them. There are plenty of places both online and on your high street that will exchange your old CDs for hard cash. Prices can vary depending on the artist and the quality of the CD. However, the chances are that you will be able to get a decent price for them, especially if your collection is extensive.
Donate Your CDs
If you just need to make some space but aren’t too bothered about getting some money in return, you can simply donate them to your nearest charity shop. There will be someone out there who will be more than happy to pay 50p to £1 for your old CDs and it can help your favourite charity get some much needed funds at the same time.
Recycle Your CDs
There are plenty of companies out there that will recycle your CDs for free. CDs are not biodegradable, so if you just put them in the bin, they will sit in landfill for maybe hundreds of years without breaking down. CD recycling companies will take your old CDs, grind them up into tiny pieces and remake them into a new product, thereby extending their life and creating something new.
Be warned, though; whilst recycling might seem like the most environmentally friendly method to dispose of your old CDs, the carbon footprint of transporting and processing them can be quite high, so it’s often best to use a recycling plant that is close to you for minimal environmental impact.
Make Your CDs into Something New
Old CDs are also a fantastic craft resource. You can find online tutorials for making them into all sorts of new and sparkly creations. They can be repurposed in thousands of different ways to make something new and entirely unique. If you are not good at crafts yourself, think about donating them to your local scrap store or school. There are plenty of artistic types out there who will turn your old music collection into an upcycled thing of beauty for all to behold.
There are so many reasons to clear out that old CD collection. Why not make a bit of extra space in your home today?
Colleen Smith has been writing about recycling and repurposing for many years. She hopes that you will be inspired to get rid of your CDs in an environmentally responsible way.