How to Sell, Donate & Recycle Your Used CDs

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By kathryndarden
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (19 Ratings)

Most of us purchase many CDs and have CD libraries that have built up over time. At some point, you may stop purchasing new CDs because you just don't have any place to store your old CDs!

It is hard to just throw music away, and CDs along with their plastic cases are not biodegradable. How do you recycle your old CDs?

I recently donated several large bags full of Gospel music CDs to my church for the youth ministry. I have also sold a few on ebay, and have given used CDs away at various functions.

As you consider ways to recycle extra CDs, always give some thought as to whether your CDs are appropriate in interest and content for the group you are considering selling or donating to. Also remember -- not every group will want your old, used CDs, so don't be offended if someone says no!

In this economy, you may also want to try to make money on your old CDs if they are worth selling. With that in mind, here are my top ten suggestions for the best ways to recycle your used CDs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Used CDs
Boxes
Bags
Computer for internet sales
Vehicle for transporting
Postage for mailing
Ebay account
Classified ads
Craigslist

Step 1

Sell Your Used CDs

Sell your used CDs on Ebay, Craigslist, and other online auctions and classifieds. Although used CDs often don't bring in much money on Ebay, sometimes a collection of one popular artist or one genre of music will sell fairly well.
Step 2

Sell Your Used CDs

Sell your used CDs at a yard sale or flea market. Mark them all down to a dollar (more obscure artists should go for less) and put them out when you have your next yard sale.
Step 3

Sell Your Used CDs

Find a used music store and let them go through your used CDs and see if there are any they want to purchase. Realistically, don't expect more than a dollar or two for used CDs.
Step 4

Swap Your Used CDs

Host a CD swap party! This can actually be a lot of fun. Have your friends bring in their used CDs and trade them for yours.
Step 5

Give Your Used CDs

Use your used CDs for door prizes at a meeting or hobby group party.
Step 6

Give Your Used CDs

Give your favorite used romantic CDs to your sweetheart for Valentine's Day, birthday, Christmas or other special day!
Step 7

Donate Your Used CDs

Donate your used CDs to a Rescue Mission or other deserving non-profit organization for adults, or put your used CDs in a care package to a missionary family supported by your church or religious organization.
Step 8

Donate Your Used CDs

Take your used CDs with you to a service project (Habitat for Humanity, etc.) and leave them with the leadership or take your old CDs and a cheap CD player on your next mission trip and leave them with the church or organization.
Step 9

Donate Your Used CDs

Send your used CDs to children at an orphanage, juvenile detention center, Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, teen counseling center, or do like I did and donate your used gospel CDs to your church youth group.
Step 10

Use Your Used CDs

If nothing else works, you can always use your old CDs in the garden to scare birds away. Create an interesting mobile out of used CDs that will work as garden art as well as a unique scarecrow!