Ever since the invention of the compact disc or CD in 1983, billions have been produced and sold all over the world. CDs are usually made out of metal and plastic components packaged in plastic and paper cases, and usually hold textual and visual information, games, movies, and music. Out of these billions manufactured, millions have been deemed useless and are thrown carelessly into the trash bins by companies and individuals. The government and private companies responsible for final disposal then dump these CDs into landfills or burn them in the incinerators. Let us remember that the plastic in CDs are non-biodegradable; dumping them in landfills adversely affect the soil while burning them in incinerators likewise negatively affect the air we breath. Ultimately, we are further damaging the fragile ecosystem of our planet.

If only a more effective and more convenient way of CD recycling can be found, then maybe we would be more aware of CD recycle benefits. CD recycling is environment-friendly because the plastic and metallic components in both the CD and its packaging undergo CD recycle processes, are then reused as raw materials in the automobile and building materials industries, and come back as renewed products. Fortunately, there is a CD recycling online company that offers CD recycle services, free of charge. Second Life Disc, which debuted this year, is committed to helping the environment by reducing techno-trash through CD recycling.

Second Life Disc’s CD recycle services are free of charge, though you have to shoulder the cost of mailing them your CDs. They recommend using the US mailing system as it has extensive coverage and cheaper costs; even if you use the box rate, the CDs will still reach them at Ventura, California. If you weigh the short-term mailing cost of mailing your CDs to Second Life Disc to the long-term environmental benefits, then the latter wins hands down. In case you are wondering where Second Life Disc gets its operating expenses if they accept no recycling fees, the company sells shredded CDs to reclaiming centers and sells resurfaced CDs to customers. However, Second Life Disc assures that only commercial movie, music, and game discs are resurfaced while personal and other miscellaneous discs are made to go through the CD recycling processes of shredding, melting, and demetallizing. Thus, any sensitive information will be kept safe and secret. The paper packaging are sent to a paper mill for recycling; but for packaging cases in good condition, these are packed and sold to raise money to operate Second Life Disc’s CD recycle services. No part of your mailed CDs and packaging goes to waste; all are recycled, reused, and renewed, a true environment-friendly operation.

Though Second Life Disc does not offer recycling containers, they appreciate if you can put one up in your company or school, or if you want to become a drop off center in the neighborhood. You can contact them through their website. Also, Second Life Disc will accept any number of CDs for recycling, even as little as two CDs. Remember, a little comes a long way when it comes to helping our planet recover from the centuries of damage we have inflicted upon it.