UK launches vinyl and CD recycling scheme

A new recycling program for damaged vinyl records and CDs has been launched in the UK. This initiative is backed by independent record stores, including Rough Trade. The goal is to stop these items from ending up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. The program was first started in 2020 but faced delays due to the pandemic. Now, on World Recycling Day, it is being relaunched. Stores such as Rough Trade and Sister Ray will test the service. The program will accept all types of vinyl records and CDs, as well as their packaging, no matter their condition. Both vinyl and CDs are made of different plastics that are harmful to the environment. Vinyl is made from PVC, while CDs are made from polycarbonate. Key Production Group, which is leading this effort, aims to recycle these materials responsibly. Lawrence Montgomery, the managing director of Rough Trade, emphasized the importance of finding sustainable solutions. He mentioned that this program would positively impact the lifecycle of these products. With the resurgence in vinyl sales, the Key Production Group is renewing its efforts. Reports show that vinyl sales increased by nearly 15% in the first nine months of 2023, despite the popularity of streaming music. Music fans can mail their old vinyl records and CDs to Key Production Recycling for recycling. The recycled materials will be used in new products such as pipes and furniture. This year also marks the 18th Record Store Day, which will celebrate independent record shops. Post Malone has been announced as the ambassador for the event, which will include in-store parties and a celebration of record store culture.