What to Do With Old CDs & DVDs
Wondering where to donate or recycle old CDs and DVDs? The ReCollective accepts usable music CDs, DVDs, and disc-based video games during designated ReCo Pick collections and helps keep them in circulation through community reuse.
Donate or Reuse CDs & DVDs Before Throwing Them Away
Music, movies, television programs, and disc-based video games that are still usable may have value beyond your household. During designated ReCo Pick collections, The ReCollective accepts approved discs for community reuse.
Accepted items are taken to our Durham warehouse, organized, and prepared for a community partner that can resell them and keep them in circulation.
Accepted CDs, DVDs & Disc-Based Games
Include original, usable media from the accepted categories below. Cases must stay with the discs.
Accepted
- Music CDs of any genre, including compilations and box sets
- Movies, documentaries, television shows, and series on DVD
- Disc-based video games for systems such as PlayStation, Xbox, Wii, and GameCube
- Cases must be included
Do Not Include
- Empty plastic CD or DVD cases without discs
- Data discs, software discs, or burned CDs and DVDs
- VHS tapes or cassette tapes
- Floppy disks
Use a Grocery-Size Bag
Place accepted CDs and DVDs in a bag no larger than a standard grocery bag. Use a bag you do not need back because it will be collected with the CDs and DVDs. Then place the filled bag inside your black waterproof canvas bag for pickup. Do not place CDs and DVDs loose inside the black bag or inside the canvas ReCo Pick bag.
What Happens to Donated CDs & DVDs?
Collected media returns to The ReCollective’s Durham warehouse, where it is organized for community reuse.
Collect: Member bags are brought back to the warehouse with the rest of the route’s materials.
Organize: Accepted music, movies, television programs, and games are grouped for transfer.
Reuse: Usable media is provided to a community partner that can resell it and keep it in circulation.
Friends of the Durham Library
When you include accepted, usable media in this ReCo Pick, it can support the Friends of the Durham Library through resale and reuse rather than being discarded.
Can CDs and DVDs Be Recycled?
If you are looking for a way to responsibly handle old discs, note that The ReCollective’s CD and DVD collection is designed for usable media and prioritizes reuse rather than material recycling.
Accepted music CDs, DVDs, and disc-based video games are organized for community reuse so they can stay in circulation.
Do not include burned or data discs, software discs, loose empty cases, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, or floppy disks.
ReCo Pick Reminders
CD & DVD Donation and Reuse FAQs
Quick answers about donating, reusing, and preparing old CDs, DVDs, and disc-based games for The ReCollective.
Where can I donate old CDs and DVDs?
The ReCollective accepts original, usable music CDs and DVDs during designated ReCo Pick collections. Accepted media is brought to our Durham warehouse and prepared for community reuse through the Friends of the Durham Library.
Can CDs and DVDs be recycled?
The ReCollective’s CD and DVD collection is a reuse program rather than material recycling. We accept usable media that can be resold or reused and kept in circulation.
Does The ReCollective accept empty CD or DVD cases?
No. Empty plastic CD or DVD cases without discs are not accepted. Cases should be included only with the original usable discs.
Can I donate old video games?
Yes. We accept original, usable disc-based video games for systems such as PlayStation, Xbox, Wii, and GameCube. Include the game disc with its case.
Do you accept burned CDs, data discs, or software discs?
No. Data discs, software discs, and burned CDs or DVDs are not accepted through this ReCo Pick.
How should I pack CDs and DVDs for pickup?
Place accepted CDs, DVDs, and disc-based games in a bag no larger than a standard grocery bag. Use a bag you do not need back, then place the filled bag inside your black waterproof canvas bag. Do not place discs loose inside the black bag or inside the canvas ReCo Pick bag.
When can I set out CDs and DVDs?
Standard monthly members should set them out only when CDs and DVDs are the featured ReCo Pick. Almost Anything Plan members may include approved ReCo Pick materials during any monthly pickup.
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