Better Recycling Ideas for CDs Other Than Frisbees

I thought about this idea after considering the environmental implications of downloadable content online. iTunes, an institution online since April 2003, has now sold over 2 billion songs as of January 2007. This along with other online music stores, has lead to a decrease in the sale of physical CD sales. This equates to about 500m fewer compact discs, their packaging and distribution. Each year about 2500 tonnes of CDs are sent to landfill. So what should you do with your old CDs, they can contrary to public belief be recycled and not just as bird feeders, fun microwave entertainment or frisbees as touted on some websites. There are a number of companies in the UK that will recycle your compact discs for free;

• London Recycling
  CD recycling is a new service from London Recycling which allows you to dispose of CDs in an environmentally responsible way. Suitable for all types of CDs and their plastic cases, including music CDs, writeableCDs and CD ROMs.
  
  
• Keymood UK
  Accepts CDs, DVDs, vinyl, cassettes, VHS videos, computer equipment and mobile phones. Reclaims electronic and electrical products including all IT equipment, redundant office equipment and domestic goods. Full certification and auditable reports on sensitive goods.
  
  
• Polymer Reprocessors Limited
  Developer of the world's first process for the recycling of completed CDs and CD-ROMS. They were also recognised with the Waste Minimiser Award and highly commended in the Environmental Innovation & Technology category.

In The US

• NESAR Systems
  420 Ashwood Road
  Darlington, PA 16115
  Tel: 724-827-8172
  
  
• Digital Audio Disk Corporation
  Attention: Disc Recycling Program
  1800 Fruitridge Avenue
  Terre Haute, IN 47804-1788
  Tel: 812-462-8323

Developments in CD Manufacture

Sanyo, in 2003 announced that they had created a bio degradeable CD, created from a polymer derived from corn. Sanyo estimates that around 85 corn kernels, each weighing an average of 0.5 grams, are needed to produce enough polymer for a single 4.7-inch optical disc, so an average ear of corn can produce around ten discs. Producing enough polymer to satisfy the demand for discs would require less than 0.1 percent of the world's corn production. The new discs would biodegrade in 50 years opposed to the current 1000. Whilst its not a solution it is a positive step.

In addition to the reduction in CD production, we can also look at the positive benefits the internet has produced, through more accessible information, reduced paper use through online account management, online applications, documents and email.