JUN 28

The hole-punch isn't going to do as much for data security as you think it might. There are several applications that use low-level drive I/O routines to read data off of discs, even if they are significantly damaged. I have personally recovered data from discs with large chunks missing, primarily using the open source dvdisaster utility. If you want to ensure that your data can't be recovered, at least by anything but experts, ensure that the disc can't even spin in the drive. (Lots of irregular pieces.)

Here in the Boston area, all CDs are recycled. I had stacks upon stacks of CDs and CDRs that I just took to my local recycling center (in Cambridge, MA). They had a special bin just for CDs and CDRs. Unfortunately, they didn't accept their jewel cases however.....

that I never chuck CDs away, and have never thought about recycling them. Thanks for the info though.

One good thing I've seen is that Asda (Wal-mart) are producing biodegradable CD cases, without any inserts (which you can download if you want from Universal Music). Now that is useful as I keep all my CDs in wallets.

Good information, thanks. CDs have always seemed like a wasteful product to me (remember the original "long box" packaging). The hard plastic jewel cases are even worse, as they break so easily, and apparenty can't be recycled.

I use almost no CDs now, thanks to (legally) downloading digital media. Perhaps CDs will someday become as rare as 45's.

FYI, these 2 companies no longer recycle CD's. Greendisk.com will take them for a fee.

CD Recycling Services in the US
NESAR Systems
420 Ashwood Road
Darlington, PA 16115
724-827-8172

Digital Audio Disk Corporation
Attention: Disc Recycling Program
1800 Fruitridge Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47804-1788
812-462-8323

I came across a company that does recycle CD's, DVD's and Jewel Cases. I just called them to confirm. It is MRC Polymers. You would have to send them to: MRC Polymers, c/o DADC Recycling Program, 3307 South Lawndale Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623. There is no charge other than the postage. They ask that you send the product with no packing materials, separate the CD's from DVD's, remove paper from the jewel cases. Stickers are okay as long as they are paper (no metal backing).

The idea of recycling came to ms as I were preparing to discard year 2005 files which ended up containing at least 4000 used cd's. What a waste! So for those out there using massive numbers of cd's like we 'did' consider using external drives for storage instead and replacing them yearly. They are affordable, easy to store if you want to keep your files for years as we do and reusable later. Shipping of these cd's for recycling is not an option due to the weight. Are there any recycling places in Florida?

Here is a project to collect CDs and DVDs from households to build something new and useful.
Please spread the words.

Please my website www.NovelPromo.com.
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Are these options any different from what would happen to them if they were just given to an e-waste collector?

Please be advised that Digital Audio Disk Corporation has discontinued their CD recycling program.

Computer Buyback and Recycling Programs attempt to reduce the amount of electronics in landfills by refurbishing for further use or by safely recycling it. Recycling and buyback programs offer customers a simple way to receive cash for their unwanted technology equipment or, if there is no value, recycle it.

There are effective solutions that make it easy for customers to go green. A Computer Buyback and Recycling Program is an example of reducing environmental impact by providing a convenient way for customers to responsibly recycle data center equipment. Environmentally, RICOM is committed to offering products and services that are environmentally practical throughout their life cycles.

Remanufacture and reuse is only one component of the environmental lifecycle. A complete approach to the environment considers all aspects of a product's lifecycle and footprint of a product. Systems that can be upgraded using refurbished components extend the end date of their use. Refurbished components in new products and packaging are an alternative of cost savings.

Hardware asset recovery has value with used equipment Trade-in/trade-up, donation and off lease programs. Buying refurbished technology, established end of life recycling programs is green and good business. New virtualized data center solutions as well as energy star certified products cuts power costs, and consolidates data center real estate. Recycling computers rather than depositing them in landfills or shipping them off for other nations has risk of sensitive data. Disk data sanitation services offers a 3X overwrite process and is considered standard in the industry providing adequate protection against confidential information from being retrievable. According to IBM’s survey, 90% of healthcare service industry respondents perform sanitization of hard drives internally, and only 5% rely on a third party.

RICOM extends environmental technology solutions saving customers money. Electronic products make up the fastest growing segment of our landfill waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2007, more than 63 million computers in the United States were traded in for replacements, or simply thrown out. Discarded computers don't just take up space in a landfill. Careless computer disposal spread toxic wastes of more than 100 chemicals leaching in the soil. Be responsible, reuse certified refurbished equipment, and recycle your aging data center equipment that is cost effective both business and the environmentally.

Green Asset Recovery and Refurbished Solutions, contact RICOM http://www.shopricom.com/

But I can't help but answer this seemingly straightforward question with several different answers.