As each new advance in technology progresses, old tech slips farther into disuse. Many people don't think about how past popular equipment is filling up our landfills because they are no longer needed. CDs, DVDs, VHS, and cassette tapes are among the top contenders for this build-up of waste.

Understanding the Materials

These plastic items are not typically cherished in the way that Vinyl Records are. VHS and cassette tapes typically have a #5 plastic covering that holds the tape. This tape itself was made of mylar with a magnetic metal coating containing chromium. This part of the VHS and cassette is not easy to dispose of and can sometimes be considered hazardous waste depending on your local regulations.

There may even be some specialty recycling programs in your area that collect this specific item to capture the recyclable pieces while safely disposing of the other parts.

While CDs and DVDs are generally considered non-toxic, they are not accepted at most recycling facilities. They may still be accepted at e-waste collection facilities or events, so check to see if this is possible.

CDs and DVDs are made of mostly plastic and aluminum. When two or more materials are bound together in an item, it is typically more difficult to recycle due to the fact that materials need to be separated in order to be recycled. Typical municipal recycling facilities do not separate plastic and aluminum in these types of products, so only specialty recycling programs may have this option.

Upcycle Opportunities

CDs and DVDs are particularly fun items to upcycle in order to keep them out of the landfill. Since they are reflective, they can be used in many flashy ways to spice up your space! Here are a few upcycling projects to consider:

• Break them into small pieces to glue onto a picture frame as a mirror mosaic.
• Create a DIY disco ball planter in the same way.
• Paint them and connect them to make an artsy room divider.
• Get really crafty with etched garden flowers that make beautiful reflections in the sun.
• Add a little felt and fabric to make homemade drink coasters.

The possibilities are endless with CDs and DVDs, but VHS and cassette tapes are a bit trickier. These vintage displays will help you keep the nostalgia of your music-loving journey alive, or you can paint them to keep the nostalgia while hiding some of the embarrassing tapes you once bought:

• Make a succulent planter with four cassettes and a base.
• Evenly space your favorite cassette tapes on a canvas to display them as art.
• Add a zipper to make a change purse.
• Add some LED lights to make decorative nightlights out of VHS tapes.
• Make a retro shelving display by gluing VHS tapes together.

When in Doubt, Donate

While these items are becoming obsolete, the nostalgia around each, combined with the films and music that they hold, makes many of these collector's items. That means it's still worth the effort to donate any usable CDs, DVDs, VHS, and cassette tapes in case someone may be able to keep using them.

It's always best to find ways to keep these materials out of the landfill whenever possible through donation, upcycling, e-waste recycling, or specialty recycling programs. When these options are not available, make sure to check with your municipal programs to find out the correct disposal before adding this to your bin.