How to Dispose of CDs and DVDs in Japan

Varies by City (Burnable / Non-burnable)CD・DVD · shii dii / dii bui dii

CDs and DVDs are usually regular household waste in Japan, but the category varies. Some municipalities classify the plastic disc as burnable waste; others treat it as non-burnable. Separate the paper insert for paper recycling when accepted, and do not put discs in PET bottle or plastic packaging recycling.

How to Dispose of CDs and DVDs in Japan

Separate the disc, plastic case, paper booklet, and any cardboard sleeve.

Check your municipality item dictionary for CD, DVD, 光ディスク, ケース, and ディスク because the case may have a different category from the disc.

For personal data, photos, backups, or work files, physically damage the disc before disposal.

Bundle paper inserts with recyclable paper only if your city accepts small paper and glossy booklets in that stream.

Put cracked discs or sharp shards in paper before disposal so they do not cut collection workers.

General Rules Across Japan

CDs and DVDs are not containers or packaging, and they are not PET bottles. The disc is a plastic product with a reflective layer, so municipal rules usually route it to burnable or non-burnable waste. Jewel cases are hard plastic and can follow a different category. Large amounts from an office, school, or shop may be business waste and should not be placed in household collection.

Tokyo-Specific Notes

Tokyo wards may list CDs under burnable waste, non-burnable waste, or plastics depending on the ward. Search both CD and DVD, and check whether the case is listed separately.

Osaka-Specific Notes

Osaka City residents should use transparent or semi-transparent bags and avoid mixing discs with plastic containers and packaging resources unless the official item list says so.

Practical Tips

Do not put discs in plastic packaging recycling just because they are plastic; they are products, not packaging.
Remove CDs or DVDs from books and magazines before recycling the paper.
Check boxed sets carefully: the outer sleeve may be paper, the case plastic, and the disc a separate item.

Alternatives to Throwing Away

Resale: Music CDs, game discs, and DVDs in good condition may be accepted by Book-Off, Mercari, or local recycle shops.
Donation: Libraries, language exchanges, schools, and community centres sometimes accept usable discs, especially language-learning materials.
Data destruction: For sensitive data, use a shredder that handles optical media or cut/scratch the disc before disposal.