Chloe Zhang
With the rise of online streaming services, DVD collections are becoming a thing of the past. If you're looking to downsize your movie collection, you might be wondering what to do with all those plastic DVD cases. While it's important to recycle them properly, there are also creative ways to reuse and upcycle these cases, giving them new life and keeping them out of landfills. So, before you toss them in the bin, consider the various options available to reduce waste and get the most out of your old DVD cases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclable | Yes, but curbside recycling programs do not accept polycarbonate plastic. Drop off at a transfer station, collection box, or mail to some national programs. |
| Reuse | Can be used for storage or DIY projects, such as art pieces, organizers, or picture frames. |
| Donate | Can be donated to charity or local libraries, schools, or community centers. |
| Sell | Can be sold online or to retailers, including bookstores, thrift stores, and video stores. |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to charity shops or libraries
If you have unwanted plastic DVD cases, one option is to donate them to charity shops or libraries. This is a great way to give them a second life and support a good cause. Many charity shops will gladly accept donations of DVD cases, especially if they are in good condition. You can check with your local charity shops to see if they are accepting this kind of donation and if they have any specific requirements for the items.
Libraries are another excellent option for donating DVD cases. Libraries often lend out DVDs, CDs, and other media to patrons, and they may need extra cases to protect their collections. By donating your DVD cases to a library, you can help ensure that their materials stay safe and in good condition. It's a good idea to call ahead or check the library's website to see if they are currently accepting this type of donation.
Some organizations, such as Project B Green, specifically partner with local charities to monetize donations and use the proceeds to support their missions. You can check if there is a similar organization in your area that can help you donate your DVD cases in a way that directly benefits charities.
When donating DVD cases, it is important to make sure they are clean and free of any personal markings or labels. You may also want to consider including the original DVDs or any other related materials that could be useful to the charity shop or library. By donating your unwanted DVD cases, you can help reduce waste, support charities, and provide useful resources to your community.
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Sell online or at thrift stores
If you're looking to sell your plastic DVD cases, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you could try selling them online on platforms such as eBay or Craigslist, as people do buy empty DVD cases, especially if they're in good condition. You could also offer them for free on Craigslist, and they'll likely be taken within a day. Alternatively, you can donate them to thrift stores, which may then sell them on. Goodwill is a great option for this.
Another option is to sell them to a local store that specialises in second-hand media, such as DVDs, CDs, and video games. These stores may also buy your old DVDs, especially if they're in good condition. You could also try selling your DVDs online at sites like SecondSpin.com.
If you're looking to sell in bulk, consider reaching out to schools, libraries, or community centres, as they may be able to use the DVD cases for storage or other purposes.
While DVD cases can be recycled, with the plastic repurposed for manufacturing new products, selling or donating them ensures others can directly reuse them without the need for additional processing.
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Recycle at specialist centres
Recycling DVDs and their cases properly is essential to prevent them from ending up in landfills, where they can take up space and release toxic chemicals as they break down. DVDs are made of polycarbonate, a type of plastic that can be recycled and repurposed for manufacturing new products. However, the recycling process for DVDs is specialised and requires separating the layers to recover the plastic and metal components. As a result, most curbside recycling programs do not accept DVDs and their cases.
If you have a collection of plastic DVD cases that you no longer need, one option is to recycle them at specialist centres. These centres are equipped to handle the recycling of DVDs and their cases, ensuring that the materials are properly processed and reused. Some specialist recycling companies also partner with community recycling programs or retailers to accept DVDs and cases for recycling. It is always a good idea to check with your local specialist recycling centre to understand their specific practices and requirements.
When preparing your plastic DVD cases for recycling, ensure that they are empty and free of any remaining discs or inserts. You may also need to separate the cases by type, as some centres may have specific requirements for the formats they accept. Additionally, check if the centre has any specific guidelines for dropping off or mailing in the DVD cases. Some centres may have collection boxes or transfer stations where you can drop off your recycled materials.
Specialist recycling centres play a crucial role in ensuring that plastic DVD cases are responsibly recycled and diverted from landfills. By choosing to recycle your DVD cases at these centres, you contribute to environmental conservation and support the reuse of valuable resources. Remember to explore other options, such as reusing, upcycling, or donating, before opting for recycling to extend the lifespan of these materials further.
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Repurpose for crafts and art
Plastic DVD cases can be repurposed for crafts and art in many ways. Here are some ideas:
Art Kit
Create an art kit for kids who love to colour. You can repurpose a DVD case by adding decorative scrapbook paper cut to the size of the case and sliding it between the actual case and the clear plastic cover. Place a sheet of white paper underneath the clips on the left-hand inside of the case. You can also make a pocket on the right-hand inside of the case to hold colouring pencils. This is a great way to keep your little ones entertained and organised during craft time!
Earring Holder
Adults can also find creative uses for old DVD cases, such as making an innovative earring holder. Simply fix a sheet of cork to one of the inner sides of the DVD case. You can then pin your earrings onto the cork, and they will stay in place when the case is closed. Decorate the outside of the case with colourful fabric inserted into the plastic overlay for a personal touch.
Photo Album or Mini Scrapbook
Another craft idea is to repurpose a DVD case into a small photo album, notebook, or mini scrapbook. Add blank pages or plastic pockets to hold printed photos. Personalise it by inserting the plastic overlay with decals and other decorative items.
Hand Puppets
With supervision, kids can also turn DVD cases into hand puppets for puppet shows. This project requires a DVD case with a plastic film cover for the puppeteer to put their hand inside. The front of the DVD case can be decorated with facial features, and the inside can be designed to look like the creature's mouth.
Decorative Art
Get creative and turn old DVDs and their cases into unique art pieces. Cut the DVDs into smaller pieces to adorn candle holders, jewellery, picture frames, mirrors, or even homemade disco balls. The shiny, sparkly bits of plastic will create eye-catching items. You can also project movies onto the DVDs to create interesting light effects, as seen in Spanish artist Daniel Canogar's installation in Sweden's Bildmuseet in 2013.
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Use for storage and organisation
Plastic DVD cases can be used for storage and organisation in a variety of ways. Firstly, they can be utilised to store and organise DVDs themselves. This is especially useful if you have a large collection and want to consolidate your packaging. By using a single DVD case or a few larger cases, you can significantly reduce the amount of space required to store your DVDs. This method can also help you keep your DVDs organised and easily accessible.
Additionally, DVD cases can be used to store and organise a variety of other small items. For example, you can use them to store note cards, stamps, photos, and other similar items. This helps to keep your belongings neat and tidy, and the transparent plastic of many DVD cases can make it easy to find what you're looking for.
For those who enjoy arts and crafts, DVD cases can be a useful organisational tool. They can be used to store and sort small crafting supplies such as beads, sequins, buttons, and more. The cases can keep your craft room tidy and ensure you can find the materials you need for your projects.
If you're looking for a more creative approach to storage and organisation, you can upcycle DVD cases into unique storage solutions. For example, you can transform them into pencil cases, first aid kits, or even small games or picture frames that also serve as storage for tiny items. With some creativity, you can design custom storage solutions that fit your specific needs while also adding a personal touch to your space.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic DVD cases are made of polystyrene, also known as #6 plastic.
Yes, DVD cases are recyclable. However, curbside recycling programs do not usually accept them. You will need to drop them off at a transfer station, collection box, or mailing center.
If you have working DVDs, it is better to donate or sell them. You can also get creative and repurpose the DVD cases for DIY projects, such as storage solutions, picture frames, or even a vertical garden.
You can donate your old DVDs and cases to local libraries, schools, community centers, or charity shops.
Check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept DVD cases. Some facilities are equipped to handle different types of plastic. Alternatively, you can mail them to a specialized recycling company.
