Recycling of CD's

Although the CD has been a major invention as a portable storage media, disposal of corrupt and unsold CDs is an issue. Most CDs are manufactured from polymers, which are difficult to dispose.
A UK-based company, Polymer-Reprocessors Limited (PRL), is working towards recycling CDs and their jewel cases for making newer materials. PRL has created a system to recycle CDs and their cases for use in newer applications. Some of Europe’s largest international music companies have joined hands with PRL in this environment friendly
approach towards recycling CDs and their cases.
The CDs, along with their packing are separated into components such as paper, plastic, CDs and cases. The cases are granulated and fed into an extrusion system fitted with a laser for the removal of any contaminants.
This process produces high quality crystal polystyrene pellets, which are used in making artificial wood, insulating foams or even CD cases once again.
The discs are recycled using a specially patented recycling machine, which
removes the paint, aluminium and eventually the data.
The cleaned disc is granulated and the outcome is highquality injection moulding
grade polycarbonate, which is used in a multitude of applications—in the production
of burglar alarms,streetlights, lenses, etc.
PRL is also working towards recycling DVDs, video cassettes, audio cassettes
and tapes and computer reels.