Metal Parts = Scrap Metal
Musical instruments can be disassembled and recycled. Metal parts taken from a disassembled musical instrument should be recycled as scrap metal.
If It’s Electronic, It’s E-Waste
Keyboards, electric guitars or any instrument with electronic parts should be disposed of as e-waste. Find out how to recycle e-waste.
Alternative Ways to Recycle
Instrument Strings Recycling Program
You can recycle any kind of instrument strings and clippings through the D’Addario String Recycling Program, a free recycling program through TerraCycle.
Guitars Not Guns
Donate your unwanted guitar to Guitars Not Guns, a volunteer-run organization that provides guitars and lessons to children and at-risk youth in a classroom setting as an alternative to violence. Contact them to make your donation.
Give to Charity
Consider giving gently used musical instruments to a charitable organization, such Charity Music or Hungry for Music. Public schools also tend to accept used instruments for their music programs.
Ways to Reduce
Buy Used Instruments
Instead of purchasing a new musical instrument, consider buying a used instrument that is in good condition. Used instruments are less expensive than new instruments and can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Buy Coated Strings
Coated strings last longer than standard strings because they are of higher quality. Although they are slightly more expensive, purchasing coated strings cuts down on how often you need to switch out your strings.
