What Can You Do With Old CDs? 8 DIY Project Ideas

Do you have a collection of old CDs gathering dust in a forgotten corner of your home? Don’t toss them in the trash! They have much creative potential.

What can you do with old CDs, you ask? Here are eight fun and imaginative DIY projects that will transform those compact discs into something useful and visually appealing. We’ll also explore other ways to put them to good use instead of trashing them.

What Can You Do With Old CDs?

Other than using them in your DIY projects, which we’ll explore below, here are a couple of things you can do with the bunch of old CDs piling up in your entertainment room:

Donate to a Second-Hand Store

While repurposing CDs into DIY projects can be fun and creative, it’s also important to consider giving them a new life by sharing them with others. Donating your old CDs to a second-hand store allows someone else to enjoy the music or movies they contain. Not only does this help reduce waste and promote sustainability, but it also allows others to discover hidden gems and nostalgic favorites.

Recycle

Another way to put your old CDs to good use is by recycling them. It is a great way to manage electronic waste and contribute to environmental sustainability responsibly. Recycling them allows valuable materials to be recovered and reused in manufacturing new products, reducing the need for raw materials and energy consumption.

Check with your local authority on where to recycle old CDs. If you have more e-waste in your house, you will want to learn what you can and can’t dispose of.

Upcycle Old CDs

If you’re in a creative mood and your hands are itching for something fun to do, upcycle your old CDs. Here are eight DIY ideas to draw your inspiration from.

1. Ukulele Made From Old CDs

Are you ready to transform your old CDs into something truly unique? How about making your very own ukulele? With just a handful of old compact discs, you can create a one-of-a-kind ukulele that will bring joy and melody into your life. Check out this awesome Instructables project to learn how to turn your old CDs into a musical masterpiece!

2. Geometric Wolf DIY Using Junk CDs

Love a good creative art project? Turn your old CDs into a geometric wolf. With a little creativity and a touch of DIY magic, you can transform those forgotten discs into stunning geometric wolf artwork that adds wild elegance to any room. See the Instructables project for instructions and unleash your inner artist as you create your very own masterpiece.

While you’re feeling artistic, you may well be interested in some more DIY projects that can make your room more stunning.

3. Old CDs Transformed Into Stylish Ornamental Jewelry

If you love rocking unique and fashionable jewelry, this is just the project to use your old CDs. With just a few simple steps in this Instructables guide, you can transform the old discs gathering dust in your storage room into jewelry pieces that’ll make a bold statement wherever you go.

From dazzling earrings to statement necklaces, these upcycled creations will elevate your style and spark conversations about your eco-friendly fashion choices. If you’re feeling generous, check out some more creative homemade DIY gifts for your artsy friend.

4. Lamp Made With Paper and CDs

Have you ever wanted to create a unique and mesmerizing lamp that adds a touch of magic to your space? Look no further than your pile of old CDs and a few sheets of paper! By combining the reflective surface of CDs with the soft glow of paper, you’ll achieve a beautiful play of light and shadow. Whether you’re seeking a cozy ambiance for your bedroom or a conversation piece for your living room, this Instructables project is sure to impress.

5. Holographic Gemstones From CDs

If you’ve always wanted those unique opal-stone gems but never came close to one, here’s an Instructables project that’ll give you something similar while allowing you to put your old CDs to good use. Those forgotten discs hiding in the depths of your drawers can be transformed into stunning, eye-catching gemstones that seem to come to life with every twist and turn.

Not only will you be recycling and giving new life to old CDs, but you’ll also have a unique and stylish accessory that sets you apart from the crowd.

6. Cool Photography Background

Searching for the perfect photography background that reflects your style and vision for your next project? Make good use of your CDs to create a cool and captivating background to make your photos stand out. The process is pretty straightforward. Simply find a dark-colored drop sheet, stick your CDs there, and voilà! You have a unique and eye-catching photo-shoot background.

As the light hits the reflective surface of the CDs, it creates a spellbinding display of colors and patterns that add depth and dimension to your images. Whether you’re a professional photographer or simply love capturing moments with your camera, this Instructables project will take your photography game to a new level. You can also try out these DIY projects to help you shoot pictures and videos like a pro.

7. RGB LED CD Head

Nostalgic for the days of receiving AOL CDs in the mail? Instead of letting those colorful discs gather dust in a forgotten drawer, why not give them a new life and bring some vibrant RGB multicolored lighting into your space? With the DIY project in this Instructables guide, you can turn those old AOL CDs into a fascinating RGB LED-lit head sculpture that will add a unique touch to your decor.

8. Paper Tray Using Old CDs

Are you tired of the clutter on your desk? Looking for a creative and eco-friendly way to organize your stationery and small items? Well, here’s a fantastic DIY project that will help you declutter and repurpose those old CDs stylishly and practically.

With the few simple materials in this Instructables guide and a bit of creativity, you can transform those unused discs into a functional and eye-catching desk accessory. It’s a great way to give your workspace a fresh and organized look while reducing waste.

Get Creative Using Old CDs

Repurposing old CDs can be a fun and rewarding endeavor. Instead of letting them gather dust or contribute to landfill waste, the creative DIY projects covered above can breathe new life into these forgotten treasures.

From crafting a ukulele and creating geometric artwork to making stylish jewelry and unique lamps, the possibilities are endless. Not only do these projects showcase our creativity and resourcefulness, but they also promote sustainability by giving old CDs a new purpose.