Do old vinyl records hold a special place in your heart? But as they become damaged or simply unwanted because of the digital era, we throw them away. Is that right? No, it harms the environment. So, how to dispose of old vinyl records sustainably? Let's explore today. 

Why is it important to think twice before throwing away vinyl records?

Plastic, particularly vinyl (PVC), is a major threat to nature. So if you throw it directly, it will create plastic pollution in the environment. Now, you might be thinking of burning it. Do not ever do that as burning PVC involved in the glasses made from recycled materials release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. It will neither be good for you nor nature. That's why we need to learn more sustainable options while getting rid of our old records. 

Recycle Vinyl Records Through Specialized Programs

The traditional recycling centers normally do not accept vinyl records because they are complex. However, you can find some specialized recycling programs and organizations handling PVC materials including recycled glasses of vinyl. You can research local recycling facilities or environmental organizations around you that accept vinyl for recycling. 

How can you recycle vinyl records safely? 

• Stay in touch with your local waste management facility that recycles PVC.
• Find some vinyl-specific recycling programs online.
• Then, do not skip packing your records securely before giving them to the recycling center. It will prevent further damage.

Benefits of vinyl recycling 

• It will reduce plastic waste. 
• It is a good way to promote eco-friendly disposal methods. 
• And thirdly, it also prevents the release of harmful chemicals into the environment directly.

Why not donate recycled vinyl records to charities or libraries? 

Are your old records still in decent condition but you still do not need them? Here is a sustainable way: you can donate them to charities, libraries, or community centers around you. Many organizations might expect them to support 

• Fundraising efforts,
• Educational programs, or
• Simply to provide entertainment to their community members 

Where to donate vinyl records?

You can give them to: 

• Local thrift stores 
• Public libraries offering media collections 
• Community centers, youth clubs, or retirement homes 
• Non-profit organizations running record sales or music programs 

Why donate?

By donating, you can

• Support charitable causes and community programs 
• Give music lovers access to affordable vinyl records 
• Extend the life of your records through reuse

Sell Your Eco-friendly Glasses of Vinyl online or at record stores 

Before disposing of your vinyl records, assess their value once. If you want to switch to a different sustainable genre of glasses other than vinyl, you can simply sell your pair online. Many eyewear fashion brands run programs where you can sell your previous glasses and buy new ones. Why not do that? 

Platforms to sell vinyl records 

You can sell your records at online marketplaces, local record stores, flea markets, and garage sales.

Tips for selling vinyl records 

When you go to sell your records, these tips can help you get the maximum value:

• Clean them properly to improve their appearance and sound quality 
• Research the market value of your records using online platforms 
• When you sell online, provide detailed descriptions and quality photos 

Upcycle Vinyl Records into Creative Projects, let's say an eco-friendly mirror 

Are you into DIY projects? Then, you would love upcycling your old records and giving them a functional purpose. What about making a sustainable mirror of vinyl? You can also convert the vinyl records into various household items, decorations, and even other functional objects. 

Creative upcycling ideas for vinyl records:

You can give your records the shape of 

• Wall art

Do you want to make a unique wall decor? Paint or design your records.

• Clocks

You can also experiment with music records to add clock mechanisms to them to create stylish wall clocks.

• Bowls

What about heating the records in the oven and molding them into bowls? 

• Coasters and placemats

You can also play around by cutting the records into smaller pieces and giving them the shape of table accessories.

• Jewelry 

Are you looking to make sustainable jewelry pieces? You can convert your records into earrings, necklaces, and even bracelets. 

Benefits of upcycling vinyl records 

The upcycling of vinyl records offers the following advantages: 

• It reduces a lot of waste 
• It adds personalized, handmade items to your collection 
• It encourages creativity and craftsmanship

Dispose of Damaged Vinyl Records responsibly

Are your old records or eyeglasses made from recycled material vinyl completely damaged? Then, you have no option other than to dispose of them. No, you cannot repurpose, recycle, upcycle, or donate them either. But how to do it sustainably? Let's understand but make sure that you do not throw them directly into the regular trash bins.

Responsible disposal methods:

• Check for hazardous waste disposal facilities in your area that accept PVC.
• Then, you can also break the records into smaller pieces so that they will create less waste in terms of volume.
• Is landfill disposal the last option remaining for you? You can use biodegradable bags.

Conclusion 

It is natural for old records and products made of them, for example, glasses made from recycled materials of vinyl, to lose their quality and functionality over time. But we must dispose of them sustainably. If you can recycle, donate, sell, upcycle, or simply repurpose your old music records, nothing can be better than this. But if they have lost their value completely, make sure to dispose in an eco-friendly way.