Tee Cee’s Tip

DEAR TEE CEE >> I’m in the process of downsizing, and I have a bunch of old music equipment I want to get rid of responsibly. I have a few junky amps and a bunch of broken instrument cables. (Why do these always break?) Any tips on how to tell if this stuff is recyclable?

— Troy

DEAR TROY >>

Music equipment tends to pile up over time because it just doesn’t seem right to send it off to be buried in a landfill. As with computer equipment, there are valuable metals and parts in music equipment that can be recovered and recycled.

However, none of the equipment you listed should go in your curbside recycling cart; these items would all be considered “hard to recycle” and not suitable for single-stream.

Whether you play the upright bass or a harmonica, here are a few options on how to responsibly recycle musical equipment:

REPAIR AND SELL >>

As always, the very best option is to try and repair and/or sell the various pieces of your equipment. It’s best to give your local used music store a call to ask what they’re able to repair or buy from you before showing up with a carload of gear. Selling used musical equipment creates affordable options for musicians and can lower the financial barrier of entry for folks who are just getting started.

LONGMONT’S WASTE DIVERSION CENTER >>

Just like broken holiday lights, your power cords and instrument cables can be dropped off at the LWDC at 140 Martin St. Please bundle and tie the cords with the loose end before dropping them off. The LWDC is free for Longmont residents, so be sure to bring a utility bill as proof of address. For more information on the center, visit longmontcolorado.gov.

ECO-CYCLE’S CENTER FOR HARD-TO-RECYCLE MATERIALS >>

If your equipment is made up of more than 50% metal, such as a broken guitar pedal or a bent-up harmonica, it can be recycled as scrap metal at the CHARM, at 6400 Arapahoe Ave. in Boulder. If your “junky amps” are beyond repair, they can also be recycled at CHARM for 59 cents per pound. CHARM will also accept your cords and instrument cables if you bundle them up and tie them with the loose end. Learn more about the CHARM at ecocycle.org/charm.

In general, the best way to determine whether any item is recyclable is to search for it on the City of Longmont’s “Waste Wizard” tool at longmontcolorado.gov or through Eco-cycle’s A-Z Recycling Guide at ecocycle.org. Both of these tools are also apps you can download and have at the ready on your phone.