Dispose of old CDs or DVDs - how it works

If you want to say goodbye to your old CDs and DVDs, you should take care of the correct disposal. We will show you where you can dispose of the data media properly and in an environmentally friendly manner.

Dispose of CDs and DVDs correctly

CDs and DVDs do not belong in the garbage can or the yellow sack. Blanks largely consist of the rather expensive polycarbonate. The thin metal layer can also be recycled.

• At recycling centers and waste management companies, your CDs and DVDs will be accepted free of charge and recycled for you. Returns are also possible in some supermarkets.
• However, only drive your car to dispose of the CDs / DVDs; you use more fuel than recycling the data carriers saves. Just keep the CDs and DVDs until the next opportunity.
• For security reasons, however, you should first delete your data from the CDs and DVDs. Simply scratch the underside of the CD with a sharp knife or nail.
• CD and DVD cases are made of plastic. You can simply dispose of these in the yellow bin.

Throw away your old CDs and DVDs because they are defective, in many cases you can still save the data carriers with simple home remedies. We show you how this works in the practical tip "Repair scratched CDs and DVDs".