How to Reuse Old CD or DVD

Don't Throw Away Old CDs!!!

Do you burn CD-ROMs on your computer and get errors, where you have to toss the CD-ROM? Do you get tons of CD-ROMs in the mail from Internet providers and trial programs? I do and all these unwanted CD-ROMs are piling up. You can recycle them but it isn't as easy as a plastic bottle or aluminum can, so it is time to think about reusing and finding some uses for them.

Mold the disks.

If CDs or DVDs are put into near boiling water in a pan and carefully removed they can be cut fairly easily with scissors into different shapes (for badges, decorations etc). Take care not to leave too long in the water and keep an eye on their progress at all times. Only do this in a well-ventilated area to avoid being affected by possible off-gassing from the chemicals used to make disks.

Household tips

Catch Candle Drips On Used CD!

Simple and effective!

You should always use a candle holder specifically designed to catch melting wax. However, if one is not available, a CD is great in a pinch. Make sure it's a short candle that can stand on its own with a flat bottom. It should also be slightly larger than the CD hole. Place the candle holder on a stable, heat-resistant surface and keep a watchful eye on it.

Bike Reflectors

Reuse those old CDs!

Tape them to your bicycle wheels and use them as reflectors.

Use as Sidewalk / Driveway Reflectors

Light the way with reused CD or DVD!

Forget those ugly orange reflectors. Instead, drill small holes in a CD and screw it onto your mailbox post or onto a wood stake and push it into the ground. Install several of them to light a nighttime path to your front door.

Reuse CD as Paper Plate Weights

CD will keep them from flying away!

On outdoor picnics, solve the problem of paper plates blowing away! Place three drops of glue on the outside edge of a CD-ROM and put it on the bottom of a paper plate. This will also help to stiffen the paper plate. When you throw the paper plate out, just pull the CD-ROM off the bottom.

Don't Throw It Out: Recycle, Renew and Reuse to Make Things Last

by: Lori Baird, Editors of Yankee Magazine

Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 12/07/2009)

What should you recycle, renew, and reuse? Practically everything! Is there a gadget graveyard in your house? Want to get the most mileage out of your electrical appliances? Tired of having to choose between paying high prices for repairs or good money for a cheap replacement? Well, no more! These savvy secrets help you make the most of your purchases-and your money-by making things last longer and work better.

Simple Way to Save Lighting Energy

Use CD to magnify light output!

Use them for reflectors on lamps, above the bulb. This magnifies the light output, without additional electric use. Make sure not to put them too close to a bare light bulb and do not put them near a halogen bulb.

Room or Doorway Screen

High-tech door screen from reused CDs or DVDs!

String the CDs into a single strands with yarn then attach the long strings to the top of a doorway to make a high-tech 60's door screen.

Hidden Plug Help

Reuse CD as mirror!

Do you ever have a problem plugging cords into the back of your computer, stereo, or other electronic device because you can't see the back without pulling the unit out? Just put some double stick tape on the non-mirrored surface of the cd, line it up with what plugs you need to find and attach it to the wall behind the appliance. Now you have a cheap (free in fact) mirror to help you out...and you don't have to worry about damaging it, as a replacement will be sent every now and again, whether you ask for it or not!

You Can Reuse CD as Flower Holder

CD reflects their beauty!

When you don't have a vase that works because the stems are either too short or won't hold the flowers up - take a CD and put it over a glass of water. I put the flower stems through the hole of the CD. It holds them up and the shiny surface of the CD acts like a mirror to display beautiful flowers.

TDK 52X CDR 80 Minute / 700MB 100 Pack Spindle

Amazon Price: $21.29 (as of 12/07/2009)

Memorex CD/DVD Sleeves Paper with Window Cut-Out & Back Flap (50-Pack)

Amazon Price: $4.98 (as of 12/07/2009)

Carpet Protectors

CD can be used to protect floor and furniture!

Use them under your couch and chair legs to help protect your carpet from getting the dreaded furniture indent.

Gardening tips

Garden Row Markers

Simple way to organize rows with reused CDs or DVDs!

On the CD-ROM write the name of your vegetable with a permanent marker. Glue or tack the CD-ROM to a stick and put in the ground to mark your garden rows. They may also act as a high-tech scarecrow.

Scare off birds

CDs are prettier than scarecrows!

Dangle them on a piece of string over newly planted seedlings to scare off birds - they look prettier than scarecrows when they glint in the sunshine too.

The New York Times 1000 Gardening Questions and Answers

The New York Times 1000 Gardening Questions and Answers: Based on the New York Times Column "Garden Q & A."

by: Garden Editors of the New York Times, Leslie Land, Dora Galitzki, Linda Yang

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/07/2009)

The book covers flowers, trees, shrubs, the lawn, vegetables, herbs, fruit, indoor plants, soil, pests, and troublemakers. It addresses problems and provides answers to difficulties in every North American zone. Hundreds of line drawings illustrate the book, providing botanical identification and demonstrating how-to gardening techniques.

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Warning!

Don't cook CDs in the microwave - they might give off toxic fumes.

DIY craft projects

CD Rack from Old CDs

This is quite cool project!

CDs are mostly used for music, right? Well, repurpose them for something connected to music! Make a CD rack and place all your favorite CDs in one place! This cool project comes with full instructions! Just an extra hint: you can change it into any color you like with acrylic colors!

How to turn old CDs into a USB lamp

http://freepic.freehostia.com/index.php?page=top http://elmark.freehostia.com/

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Use as Holiday Ornaments

Use CDs for extra style!

Decorate your Christmas tree in style! Hang CDs shiny side out to create a flickering array of lights -- or paint and decorate the label side to create inexpensive personalized ornaments. For variety, cut the CDs into stars and other shapes with sharp scissors. Drill a 1/4-inch (6-millimeter) hole through the CD and thread ribbon through to hang.

Make Wall Art in Teen's Room

Unique wall art for kid room made from old CDs

Old CDs make inexpensive and quirky wall art for your teenager's room. Attach the CDs with thumbtacks and use them to create a border at the ceiling or halfway up the wall. Or let your teen use them to frame his or her favorite posters.

Make Artistic Bowls From Old CDs or DVDs

Looking for a funky, decorative bowl?

Place a CD in the oven on low heat over a metal bowl until the CD is soft. Wearing protective gloves, gently bend the CD into the shape desired. Seal the hole by gluing the bottom edge to another surface such as a flat dish using epoxy or PVC glue. Don't use the bowl for food.

Recycled Crafts Box

by: Laura C. Martin

Amazon Price: $8.76 (as of 12/07/2009)

Divided into sections dealing with paper, plastic, metal, and fabric, the book tells how these materials are made, traces their history, and explains how they can be recycled, emphasizing benefits to the environment. Tips on how youngsters can make a difference appear throughout, and interviews with artists who work with recyclables are included as sidebars. Scattered circles contain information about the inability of various substances to break down. Several art projects are provided for each type of material.

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Make a Decorative Sun Catcher

For this effective sun catcher all you need is couple of used CDs!

Sun catchers are attractive to watch, and all you need to make one is a couple of CDs. Glue two CDs together, shiny side out, wrap yarn or colored string through the hole, and hang them in a window. The prism will make a beautiful light show.

Create a Spinning Top

Have fun by making old CD spin!

Turn an old CD into a fun toy for the kids (and adults too!). With a knife, make two slits across from each other in the CD hole. Force a penny halfway through the hole, and then spin the CD on its edge.

Make a CD Clock

Old CDs can be functional!

Turn a disc into a funky clock face for clockwork sold by arts-and-crafts stores. Paint and design one side of the CD and let it dry. Write or use stickers to create the numbers around its edge. Assemble the clockwork onto the CD.

Cover With Felt and Use as Coasters

Reuse felt scraps and old CDs!

CDs can help to prevent those unsightly stains from cups left on the table. Simply cut a round piece of felt to fit over the CD and glue it onto the label side of the CD so that the shiny side will face up when you use the coaster.

Make Invitations

They will be unique!

If you're having a party, you can use them as invitations. Write down locations, names, phone numbers, etc. on the shiny part with a permanent marker (might need a few layers of the color)

Ecoart!: Earth-Friendly Art and Craft Experiences for 3-To 9-Year-Olds

Ecoart!: Earth-Friendly Art and Craft Experiences for 3-To 9-Year-Olds (Williamson Kids Can! Series)

by: Laurie Carlson

Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 12/07/2009)

It begins with art-and-craft supplies made from natural objects and materials, and ends with recycling and composting. It's all here: bark, twigs, pebbles, weeds, prints, plants, and feeders. There is nothing totally new, but the broad scope and organization of projects in related groups with step-by-step, single-page directions make the book a first purchase. Drawings are clear and relate well to the text. Carlson indicates the level of difficulty of each activity with a symbol, and uses a clock to indicate when more than one hour is needed to finish (most require less than an hour). The style is breezy and chatty, and includes occasional tidbits of interest related to the project being described. With its large format and large type, this is a very easy book to use.

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Paint Palette

You can always wash CD and use it again!

If you're an artist, use the small circular discs as paint palettes. They're easy to wash off and you can even use a few at a time.

Game Pieces

Kids will have fun with this simple game!

Make a large checker board with the spots the size of the CD-ROMs (eight squares by eight squares). Mark 12 CD-ROMs with a red "X" using a red marker and 12 CD-ROMs with a black "X" with a black marker. Kids will love to play a "high-tech" game of floor checkers.

Mobiles from Used CDs

You can add bells or shells or something else

I painted old CD's with craft paint, added stickers of all kinds, and drilled a hole and made a CD Mobile. When the wind blows them, the shiny side gives off brilliant colors and yet it is neat to see the other creative side. If you want, you can add bells, or whatever on bottom for chime effect. Fun to do!

Wind Chimes

Simple craft for your porch

Glue two CD's together using Tacky Glue. Let dry. Drill one tiny hole in top and five or six holes along bottom. Use permanent magic markers to decorate both sides of CD's. Draw a simple design with a black marker and fill in with the colored markers. Hang beads or metal rods from bottom holes using floss or fishing line. Tie a piece of same in top hole and make a loop for hanging. You can also decorate these C.D.'s with sequins or beads instead of the magic markers.

MAXELL CD-392 Double Slim Line CD Jewel Cases (pkg of 25 doubles)

Amazon Price: $8.79 (as of 12/07/2009)

Memorex CD Labels Refills (120-Pack, White)

Amazon Price: $12.82 (as of 12/07/2009)

Bird Treat

Even birds have use of old CDs!

Coat them with peanut butter or bacon grease, dip in bird seed, run yarn through the hole in the middle and attach to a tree branch.

Use as Template for Perfect Circle

Simple and easy make a perfect cirle using old CD

Need to draw a perfect circle? Forget tracing around cups or using cumbersome compasses. Every CD provides two circle sizes -- trace around the inner hole or the outer circumference.

Mosaics

You can reuse old CDs as mosaics for picture frames, boxes, etc.

Great for an old notebook that needs a new look. Break the CDs up into about 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces. Arrange the pieces on the cover in a mosaic tile pattern. Use hot glue or spray adhesive to put them in place. This could look great in any mosaic pattern -- on picture frames, hat boxes, etc.

Party Decorations

CDs pretending to be 45 records!

Paint with black high gloss spray paint and then apply circles around the center to imitate 45 records with fun play-on- words made-up song titles and artists to go along with a 50's dance theme

Halloween Costume

Put CD's on old clothes for a high tech costume.

Teacher's Gifts

Your teacher will love this!

Painting apples on them, A B C, and 1 2 3. Use gold foil ribbon, drill a hole on each side at top, place beads on it, spelling teacher.

Fujifilm Media 25367101 Empty Color Slim Jewel Cases - 100 Pack

Amazon Price: $33.11 (as of 12/07/2009)

Memorex 50-pack Slim CD/DVD Jewel Cases (5mm) Clear

Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 12/07/2009)

Memorex 16X DVD-R (100-Pack Spindle)

Amazon Price: $29.90 (as of 12/07/2009)

CD Psychedelic Mirror

Lacking mirror? Use CD!

Glue CDs onto a piece of cardboard, one right next to the other (shiny side up). Decorate the edges of the cardboard and attach it to the back of a door.

Postcards

Using CDs you'll need no envelope!

Stamp a cute design on a piece of sticker paper and apply to the printed side of the CD. Use a permanent marker. to address on the shiny side... add .44 cents postage and drop in the mail. No envelope needed...and it's lots of fun!

Name Tags

CD around kids neck or on door

Spray paint CDs. Hang them on strings with some beads. Write the kids names on them and hang them around their necks. They get to put a sticker on the CD each time they come. I also put their name on both sides so no matter how they swing, I still have a name

Make Personalized CD Album

Personalized CD Album

Learn how to make a personalized CD album using 2 old CDs, the Crop-A-Dile tool, basic scrapbooking supplies, and a little creativity.

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More craft projects from old CDs and DVDs for adults

Altered CDs: The art of altering a CD might sound foreign or silly to those that just haven't seen it done or given it a try yet. I'll admit that the first time I saw an altered CD I thought to myself--Oh man, what is next, altered toilet seats? Upon further inspection, I realized how versatile these little piec
Cut Out + Keep | How To � Pendant Necklace Using An Old Cd: Craft how-to - Recycle an old CD into a nice new pendant necklace :) in 9 steps. Time: 30 minutes, By: Izzy
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Altered CD Mini Book: Make a book from old CDs
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Fun ways to use your old CDs 1

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Fun ways to use your old CDs 2

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Kiddy crafts

Kids will have fun reusing old CDs!

DLTK's Fourth of July Coaster for Kids: CD Rom USA coaster.
Bijou CD: free printable instructions for making a Bijou CD Rom or paper craft.
Dexter CD: free printable instructions for making a Dexter CD Rom or paper craft.
Hamtaro CD: free printable instructions for making a Hamtaro CD Rom or paper craft.
Pashmina CD: free printable instructions for making a Pashmina CD Rom or paper craft.
CD Rom Pokemon Crafts: CD ROM POKEMON CRAFTS Click links below to be taken to the instructions and templates for the CD Rom craft.
DLTK's Canada Day Coaster for Kids: CD Rom Canada coaster.
DLTK's Circle Bear Shapes Craft: Make a bear
Dharma Doll CD Rom Craft: Dharma (Daruma) Doll CD Rom Craft
If I were an elephant... CD Rom craft: free printable templates and instructions for an elephant bible craft to go with the If I were a butterfly... song.
CD Rom Fish Craft: Fish CD Rom Craft
Circle Frog Paper Craft: directions and free printable templates for making a frog paper craft. Good for preschoolers to practice the circle shape.
Pumpkin CD Craft: Pumpkin pouch to put candy in.
Ladybug CD Rom Craft: Educational activities for preschoolers.
Monkey CD Rom Craft: free printable templates and instructions for making a monkey CD rom craft

CD Holders

Case Logic 208 Capacity Nylon CD / DVD Wallet (Black)

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Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 12/07/2009)

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Nylon 320-Disc CD Wallet (Black)

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Amazon Price: $38.30 (as of 12/07/2009)

Usually ships in 24 hours

Nylon 280-Disc CD/DVD Wallet

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Amazon Price: $34.44 (as of 12/07/2009)

Usually ships in 24 hours

Home Collection Album, Capacity 96

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Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)

Ambico BA-960101 96-CD Madison Series Media Wallet

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Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)

More Ideas How to Reuse Different Items

How to Reuse Paper Bags

What do you do with paper bags? Toss them into garbage? Recycle? Reuse? Renew? The obvious first option is to reuse them for your groceries and other goods. They likely won't hold up for as many reuses as the plastic bags, but remember even one reus...

How to Reuse Paper Rolls

Before you throw away a paper roll, do you consider what it can be used for? Never thought of that? Or you already reuse them? Although our society urges people not to throw out but recycle and reuse as many common household items as possible, we st...

Extraordinary Uses For Ordinary Things

When I first stumbled upon this book, I was trying to remove mold stains from my baby's push-chair (I was crazy enough to put it into old, unused refrigerator - like it's going to be in dry place there - what a mistake!!!). I heard lots of advices an...

How to Reuse Egg Cartons?

Well, you may ask yourself - what could be done with the egg cartons?!? Plenty of stuff as you will see when you read the rest of this article! Not just crafts for kids - egg crates can be reused in household, garden as well for some DIY projects......

How to Reuse Popsicle Sticks?

Your kid just love to eat popsicles? Can't get out of the store without buying some? Who can blame them - I love them too! This page is a collection of possible uses for popsicle sticks and here you'll find how it can be reused in house, garden and...

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ikedi ikedi Dec 6, 2009 @ 1:03 pm

Thanks for all the information you delivered this has kept me occupied I hope you have more information in the future thanks interesting! weight lifting machines
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alberttwolf alberttwolf Dec 6, 2009 @ 8:44 am

Very useful lens, I have whole bunch of old CDs that become unusable because of scratches and what else. Now I think I can make something out of them. Thanks.

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Babitah Babitah Dec 4, 2009 @ 7:42 am

Thanks for the info! 5 *

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Laniann Laniann Nov 29, 2009 @ 7:10 am

Came back for a few more useful tips and to say - Congratulations on being nominated for the 2009 Giant Squid Awards.

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LeanneChesser LeanneChesser Nov 28, 2009 @ 2:28 pm

Wow! There are some very creative ideas here for reusing old CDs and DVDs! Terrific lens and congrats on your nomination for the 2009 Giant Squid Awards!
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How to Reuse Old CD or DVD

Don't Throw Away Old CDs!!!

Contents at a Glance

Contents at a Glance

Mold the disks.

Household tips

Catch Candle Drips On Used CD!

Simple and effective!

Bike Reflectors

Reuse those old CDs!

Use as Sidewalk / Driveway Reflectors

Light the way with reused CD or DVD!

Reuse CD as Paper Plate Weights

CD will keep them from flying away!

Don't Throw It Out: Recycle, Renew and Reuse to Make Things Last

Simple Way to Save Lighting Energy

Use CD to magnify light output!

Room or Doorway Screen

High-tech door screen from reused CDs or DVDs!

Hidden Plug Help

Reuse CD as mirror!

You Can Reuse CD as Flower Holder

CD reflects their beauty!

Carpet Protectors

CD can be used to protect floor and furniture!

Gardening tips

Garden Row Markers

Simple way to organize rows with reused CDs or DVDs!

Scare off birds

CDs are prettier than scarecrows!

The New York Times 1000 Gardening Questions and Answers

Warning!

DIY craft projects

CD Rack from Old CDs

This is quite cool project!

How to turn old CDs into a USB lamp

How to turn old CDs into a USB lamp

Use as Holiday Ornaments

Use CDs for extra style!

Make Wall Art in Teen's Room

Unique wall art for kid room made from old CDs

Make Artistic Bowls From Old CDs or DVDs

Looking for a funky, decorative bowl?

Recycled Crafts Box

Make a Decorative Sun Catcher

For this effective sun catcher all you need is couple of used CDs!

Create a Spinning Top

Have fun by making old CD spin!

Make a CD Clock

Old CDs can be functional!

Cover With Felt and Use as Coasters

Reuse felt scraps and old CDs!

Make Invitations

They will be unique!

Ecoart!: Earth-Friendly Art and Craft Experiences for 3-To 9-Year-Olds

Paint Palette

You can always wash CD and use it again!

Game Pieces

Kids will have fun with this simple game!

Mobiles from Used CDs

You can add bells or shells or something else

Wind Chimes

Simple craft for your porch

Bird Treat

Even birds have use of old CDs!

Use as Template for Perfect Circle

Simple and easy make a perfect cirle using old CD

Mosaics

You can reuse old CDs as mosaics for picture frames, boxes, etc.

Party Decorations

CDs pretending to be 45 records!

Halloween Costume

Teacher's Gifts

Your teacher will love this!

CD Psychedelic Mirror

Lacking mirror? Use CD!

Postcards

Using CDs you'll need no envelope!

Name Tags

CD around kids neck or on door