Can I Recycle Guitar Strings?

Can I Recycle Guitar Strings?

People have come up with creative ways to use their old guitar strings — which isn’t surprising considering we’re talking about musicians. Some make jewelry and guitar string art. Others use them to hang pictures and decorations. We’ve seen people turn guitar strings into trellis supports for the garden. The high-E string can even be used to slice cheese blocks.

Most commonly, though, people simply dispose of their used guitar strings and clippings after adding the new set. Often, it’s the only option, as rust and corrosion make them unsafe and/or unsightly for anything else. (A rusty piece of cheddar or mozzarella doesn’t sound very appetizing.) We are often asked whether it’s okay to recycle guitar strings rather than throw them in the trash — if only because people are tired of the sharp ends poking holes in the trash bag.

The short answer is that yes, you can recycle guitar strings. However, it may not be as simple as putting the strings into your pick-up bin with the cans and milk jugs. Let’s examine this question more closely, starting with why recycling guitar strings is a good idea.

Why You Should Recycle Guitar Strings

Tossing strings into a garbage pail is certainly the easiest way to get rid of them. But landfills are filling up at an alarming rate. A 2018 analysis by Waste Business Journal predicted the U.S. could run out of landfill space as early as 2036 based on current trash disposal rates.

Although guitar strings might seem like a drop in the bucket, every little bit helps. An estimated 1.5 million pounds of metal from instrument strings go to landfills annually. That’s the equivalent of 2.5 Statues of Liberty! Recycling those strings instead adds up fast.

Many companies have already adopted sustainable practices to make their guitar strings, including using recycled metals and reducing the amount of packaging. By recycling the strings, you’re passing along the commitment to a better environment and a more sustainable future.

Are All Guitar Strings Recyclable?

Most of the materials used in guitar strings can be melted down and used for various applications. Here are some of the ways your strings might be repurposed:

• Brass (found in bronze and phosphor bronze strings) can be turned into fasteners, hardware, fittings and even musical instruments.
• Nickel is used for batteries, turbine blades, armor plating and coins.
• Carbon steel is a common construction material found in everything from pipes to cutting tools.
• Stainless steel is a great material for dining utensils and faucets.
• Nylon is turned into pellets for industrial uses like packaging and car ceiling liners.

Where to Recycle Guitar Strings

Many local recycling centers and metal scrapyards accept guitar strings, especially in larger quantities. Check with them first to confirm whether strings are okay to bring. If they are, set aside a bag or bucket to put your old strings in, coiling them up to save space. When the container is full, bring it to the recycling center or add it to the metal bin at the scrapyard.

We know some people don’t have a recycling center nearby or their municipality won’t take strings. For these situations, TerraCycle and D’Addario created the Playback String Recycling Program in 2016. Once you join the D’Addario Players Circle program, you can mail your strings and clippings to TerraCycle. They accept all types of strings, including metal and synthetic materials such as nylon. You’re not limited to guitar strings or even D’Addario strings. Send bass strings, ukulele strings, orchestral strings and more from any brand. There is no fee to join the Playback program — the only thing you pay is postage.

There are a few notes to consider regarding Playback string recycling. First, packages must weigh a minimum of five pounds. If you have less than that amount, you can use the TerraCycle website to find an official drop-off point. Also, the Playback program is only for individual guitarists. Music shops, luthiers, schools and other large groups can become a drop-off point, with TerraCycle providing pre-paid shipping labels for you to send in the strings that others recycle.

According to D’Addario and TerraCycle, there are limits on how many people can join the Playback individual or drop-off programs, though the exact limits aren’t known. If maximum enrollment has been reached, you will be added to a waiting list. Finally, the Playback program is only offered in the continental U.S., meaning Hawaiian and international guitarists will need to find other options.

Other Uses for Old Guitar Strings

What if you don’t have enough strings to mail to TerraCycle, there isn’t a drop-off center anywhere close to you AND your local recycling center doesn’t accept them? Don’t feel resigned to the trash can option just yet. Here are a few more things to do with old guitar strings beyond what we’ve already mentioned. (You should thoroughly clean the strings before repurposing them.)

• Fasten a few strings or clippings together and add beads to the ends to make a bookmark.
• Turn the strings into a DIY drink coaster by twisting them into a circle, using glue or wire to hold the shape and adding a cork backing to protect table surfaces.
• Make a cat toy by attaching a feather or plush object to the end of a guitar string.
• Donate the strings to a needy musician. Charity organizations like Second Strings collect old strings and other equipment for those who can’t afford new gear. You’re not just getting rid of strings but supporting fellow artists!

Once you’ve found something to do with those old strings, you’ll need new strings to replace them. Strings and Beyond has your favorite guitar string brands with discount pricing and free U.S. shipping on qualifying orders over $35.