How to Responsibly Dispose of Vinyl Records

An image of a publication, book, and disk.

When it comes to vinyl records, it's important to avoid sending them to the landfill and instead find a responsible way to dispose of them. Vinyl records are made of plastic, specifically polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is not biodegradable and can have negative environmental impacts when not handled properly.

Here are some methods to responsibly recycle or dispose of vinyl records:

  1. Donate or Sell: If your vinyl records are still in good condition and playable, consider donating them to a local charity or selling them online or at a record store. This way, someone else can enjoy the music and give the records a second life.
  2. Upcycle: Get creative and repurpose vinyl records into unique and decorative items. You can make bowls, coasters, or even wall art using heat and molding techniques. Explore DIY tutorials and unleash your creativity!
  3. Recycling: Some recycling facilities accept vinyl records for recycling. Check with your local recycling center or waste management facility to see if they have a specific process for recycling vinyl. If they don't, ask if they can direct you to a specialized vinyl recycling facility.

Remember, vinyl records should not be placed in your regular recycling bin or garbage as they can contaminate the recycling stream or end up in the landfill. By following these methods, you can avoid sending vinyl records to the landfill responsibly and give them a new purpose.