Can I throw CD-ROM discs in a bin at home?

King Mustard · 27 Jul 2017 at 15:10

I know some recycling sites have a special bin for CD-ROM discs but I'm not using my car/fuel to drive to a recycling site just to throw away 30 old CD-ROM discs.

Can they can thrown in a bin at home?

FoxEye · 27 Jul 2017 at 15:16

No, they need to be de-contaminated in a purpose-built facility, before disposal. I believe there's one in Scotland, somewhere.

StriderX · 27 Jul 2017 at 15:16

Just Frisbee them down a city centre at some hobos.

FoxEye · 27 Jul 2017 at 15:17

StriderX said:
Just Frisbee them down a city centre at some hobos.

If everyone did that, the resulting environmental catastrophe would be like 911 x 1000. We would all have to live underground.

Diddums · 27 Jul 2017 at 15:20

Put them in the microwave for 60 seconds first.

pepp77 · 27 Jul 2017 at 15:21

You must have a general waste collection so yes just stick them in that.

King Mustard · 27 Jul 2017 at 15:29

pepp77 said:
You must have a general waste collection so yes just stick them in that.

Thank you

LOAM · 27 Jul 2017 at 15:38

They are class 1 notification objects for disposal which means you MUST ring the local authority and get a DPSHT reference number which has to be clearly marked on the CD prior to placing it in the bin.

Just be glad its not a DVD!

Glanza · 27 Jul 2017 at 15:41

You need to take them to Blockbuster for disposal.

413x · 27 Jul 2017 at 15:56

Are these blank or written to?

If they have been written to they have to be disposed of properly. You really don't want the contents seeping out into the environment.

Well. That's what you should do anyway.

Mysterae_ · 27 Jul 2017 at 15:59

If your paper shredder can handle them, shred 'em before binning them. Most shredders that can handle credit cards can cope with CDs.

Thekwango · 27 Jul 2017 at 16:00

you can throw whatever you want into your bin at home - even body parts if that's your thing. just be ready with a good alibi if you get found out (on both the body parts or cd-roms - not sure which is considered worse tbh)

G-MAN2004 · 27 Jul 2017 at 16:06

If you get caught throwing them in your general waste bin, there's a maximum of a year imprisonment and a £1000 fine. Don't risk it. They are serious items that need to be disposed of properly, so phone your council.

Six6siX · 27 Jul 2017 at 16:07

King Mustard said:
I know some recycling sites have a special bin for CD-ROM discs but I'm not using my car/fuel to drive to a recycling site just to throw away 30 old CD-ROM discs.

If you don't want to use your own car/fuel, ring a taxi or get a friend to take you. Or walk. Or get the bus.

It also depends if they are just shop bought CD-ROMs or CD-RW, CD-R, CD+R and, if the latter, whether they are blank or not as already mentioned.

Malevolence · 27 Jul 2017 at 16:10

Attach them to helium balloons and set them free.

Doogles · 27 Jul 2017 at 16:12

Just throw them in the bin, it's not great but if you don't intend on taking something to the dump anytime soon then it's the most economically friendly thing to do imo.

Steeps · 27 Jul 2017 at 16:14

Is that 30 left over after you've put one in each corner of every room in your house? Helps keep the spiders from settling

(needs to be data side up)

LOAM · 27 Jul 2017 at 16:14

G-MAN2004 said:
If you get caught throwing them in your general waste bin, there's a maximum of a year imprisonment and a £1000 fine. Don't risk it. They are serious items that need to be disposed of properly, so phone your council.

Listen to this man, he knows his stuff. Get a DPSHT reference or next thing you know you'll be doing favours for Mr.Big who's "in with the wardens"

ttaskmaster · 27 Jul 2017 at 16:16

Sigh... OCUK funny people. No-one ever replies seriously....

Robin Scott explains what you should correctly do with unwanted CDs in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MCAqnLy-nk

MatsyLR · 27 Jul 2017 at 16:26

Put them all in a bin liner, get on the bus, leave them on the bus when you get off.