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Vinyl records are phonograph discs in a gramophone record format. They were the primary medium for music reproduction until the advent of digital formats in the late 20th century.
Although many music lovers still prefer the sound of vinyl records over digital recordings, the question of what to do with all those old records once replaced by CDs or streaming services is a pressing one. Are vinyl records recyclable? Continue reading, as this post contains all the answers you need!
Are Vinyl Records Recyclable?
Vinyl records are not recyclable, but they are reusable. They are made of PVC, a type of plastic not compatible with others. It also contains lead, a toxic metal harmful to the environment. However, you can reuse vinyl records for many purposes.
Reasons Vinyl Records Are Hard To Recycle
Vinyl records are difficult to recycle due to some reasons:
- Vinyl records contain a combination of materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is not easily recyclable, and the grooves on vinyl records make them difficult to break down into smaller pieces.
- The records have a coating with a layer of plastic or other material that makes them difficult to break down. The labels are paper, and the sleeves are either paper or plastic. To recycle the records, all these materials would need to be separated, which is costly and time-consuming. As a result, recycling facilities often reject vinyl records or charge a higher fee to recycle them.
- Another reason is that they often contain pollutants. PVC can contain lead and other heavy metals, which can leach into the environment when the records are incinerated or landfilled. The manufacturing process of vinyl records also releases pollutants into the air and water. For these reasons, most vinyl records end up in landfills.
Ways To Reuse Vinyl records
Here are some ideas to reuse vinyl records:
1. Coasters: One popular way to reuse vinyl records is to turn them into coasters. To make a vinyl record coaster, you need an old record and a hot glue gun.
First, you need to clean the records with a damp cloth. Once cleaned, use the hot glue gun to glue the discs to a piece of cork. You can find cork sheets at most craft stores.
Vinyl record coasters are a great way to beautify your home. If you are looking for a unique and eco-friendly way to reuse old vinyl records, consider making coasters.
2. Wind Chime: Wind chimes made of vinyl records can make your home look beautiful. If you have some old vinyl records, you can put them to make a one-of-a-kind wind chime. Hence, the following materials are needed:
- 6 vinyl records
- 1-inch hole punch
- Paint or marker
- Twine or string
- Scissors
First, use the hole punch to make a hole in the center of each vinyl record. Then, decorate the discs with paint or markers. Once dried, cut six pieces of twine or string, each about a foot long. Thread through the holes in the records, tying a knot on each one. Arrange them on the string in the order you like, then tie the ends together to form a loop. Place your wind chime where it will catch the breeze, relax, and enjoy the soothing sounds of your DIY creation.
3. Wall Art: Vinyl records can add a unique and vintage touch to your home decor. Wall art made from recycled vinyl records is a creative and eco-friendly way to show off your personality.
To make vinyl record wall art, use old records and decide on a design. For example, you can produce a geometric pattern or a collage of your favorite album covers. However, making your wall art is a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, it is much cheaper than buying ready-made art.
4. As Plant Holders or Soap Dishes. Another popular way to upcycle vinyl records is to use them as plant holders or soap dishes. This is a great way to add a bit of personality to your home while being eco-friendly.
To use a vinyl record as a plant holder, place the record on a flat surface and add a few small plants. Be sure to use plants that don’t require much water to avoid damaging the record. You can also use a record as a soap dish by simply placing it in the sink. It’s a great way to prevent your soap from getting soggy and extends its life.
5. Donate Them To A Charity Shop Or Sell Them Online: If you have old vinyl records that you don’t listen to anymore, you might wonder what to do with them. One way is to give them to a local charity shop. Many charity shops accept gifts of vinyl records and sell them to earn some cash for their cause. This is a great way to declutter your home and help the community.
Another option is to sell them online. Most people would love to add your old records to their collection, and many websites and online marketplaces allow people to sell vinyl records. This is a great way to make extra money, and it’s much easier than hauling them to a physical store. Whichever option you choose, your records are sure to bring joy to someone else.
Conclusion
Vinyl records are non-recyclable. You can upcycle or reuse them into something new or pass them on to someone who will appreciate them. Thus, if you have a pile of old vinyl records you want to get rid of, don’t throw them in the trash. Instead, get creative with them and save the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vinyl records biodegradable?
Vinyl records are non-biodegradable, and it takes many years to decompose.
Which websites and online marketplaces allow the selling of vinyl records?
Some websites that can allow you to sell vinyl records are eBay, Amazon, and Discogs.
What’s the future of upcycling vinyl records?
There is no direct answer to this question, as upcycling vinyl records will continue to evolve and be modified depending on the individual. Some believe vinyl records will continue to be popular, while others believe newer technologies will replace them.
