What Happens to donated DVDs and CDs?
UK households discard around 2,500 tonnes of CDs and DVDs each year. Items that could be reused, recycled, or donated. A significant barrier is the lack of recycling options for these items, as most councils don’t offer CD, DVD, or Disc recycling services, and many charity shops lack the space to store them. At our Locks Heath donation hub near Southampton, we partner with charities to help you conveniently donate or recycle your CDs and DVDs.
With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify, physical media has become less common in UK homes, yet billions of CDs and DVDs remain in circulation. According to Statista, only 31% of UK households now have a DVD player, and less than half still own a CD player. Many of these discs will never be used again, taking up unnecessary space.
At The Donation Hub, approximately 25% of the CDs and DVDs we collect are rehomed, with many donated to charities that need them. Popular genres include:
- Educational DVDs and CDs
- Children’s Movies and Shows
- Video Game Discs
- Rare and Retro Collections
The rest are recycled if they fall into any of the following categories:
- Damaged or scratched
- Non-English language
- Incompatible playback formats for the UK
- Restricted or mature content
- Unapproved for UK audiences (BBFC)
- Excess or duplicate stock
What Happens to Your Donated CDs and DVDs?
At The Donation Hub, we invite you to drop off your unwanted CDs and DVDs. But what happens to these discs once you donate them?
CDs and DVDs are made from three recyclable materials: polycarbonate plastic, polystyrene plastic, and aluminum.
Recycled Polycarbonate Plastic: This material is repurposed in the automotive industry for components like head and taillights, dashboards, and instrument panels. It is also used to create reusable plastic bottles, food storage containers, and casings for electronic devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Recycled Polystyrene Plastic: This type of plastic is often used in packaging materials, such as molded foam, to protect fragile electronics. In the construction sector, it is utilized to manufacture lightweight concrete bricks and insulation boards.
Recycled Aluminum: This versatile material finds new life in beverage cans, car parts, window frames, and various kitchen utensils and appliances.
Why Recycle Your CDs and DVDs?
Energy Savings: Recycling plastics can save up to 75% of the energy required to produce new plastic, significantly benefiting the environment.
Environmental Conservation: Since CDs and DVDs are primarily plastic and non-biodegradable, they release harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater as they degrade in landfills.
Landfill Space: With landfills already under immense pressure, we should aim to recycle items instead of discarding them.
Economic Benefits: Recycling creates jobs and fosters skill development, enhancing the overall productivity of the UK. Your donations help generate local employment opportunities.
Social Benefits: About 25% of the CDs and DVDs we collect are reused. Second-hand discs are more affordable, making them accessible to schools, charities, and community centers. The UK charity sector faces significant financial challenges, and every contribution helps.
Supporting the Circular Economy: Your donations support a sustainable future for everyone and provide essential resources for charities.
How You Can Help
By booking a drop-off at our donation hub, you’re making a difference by keeping unwanted discs out of landfills. Your contributions support the environment and the economy, reducing energy consumption and pollution. Additionally, your donations provide affordable CDs and DVDs to those in need while fostering a more sustainable future.
Now that you know What happens to donate DVDs and CDs and the impact of donating your CDs and DVDs, schedule your drop-off today! Clear some space in your home and help us protect our planet.
What Other Items Can You Donate?
At The Donation Hub, we accept a wide range of household goods. Below is a list of household items you can donate:
- Clothes: Adults, Children, and babies.
- Shoes: Trainers, boots, heels, and more.
- Kitchenware: Pots, pans, utensils, and small appliances like blenders and toasters.
- Electronics: Working electronics such as phones, radios, CDs/DVDs, and game consoles, kitchen gadgets.
- Bedding and Linens: Clean sheets, linens, curtains, and towels.
If there is an item you wish to donate that is not on our list please contact us and find out if we can accept!
Find us in Locks Heath
Located in: Locks Heath Shopping Village (Behind Waitrose)
Locks Heath Address: Locks Heath Shopping Centre, Centre Way, Park Gate, Southampton SO31 6DX.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:30 AM – 5 PM. Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
Phone: 020 8212 7309
