Can Guitar Strings be Recycled? The Answer May Surprise You
For most people when you mention string instruments, the first thing that pops up in their mind is the guitar. This beloved instrument does have a few drawbacks when compared to other instruments and that is the mandatory care of it.
So far, our technology has not reached that far to have guitar strings that can be used forever. If you want the greatest sounds, however, you must always verify that the strings are properly tuned. Changing a few or all of them is sometimes necessary.
This means that you will occasionally have to buy a new set of strings which can be expensive if you want a good quality string that will last longer than the cheaper ones. But, guitarists have found many different ways to use old guitar strings to benefit their playing as well as their budget.
But the real question is are they recyclable? Yes, all sorts of guitar strings may be recycled, although it depends on where you reside. Some communities will accept your strings in your home recycling. Others, though, will not. You may not be able to place them in the blue bin in your municipality. If such is the case, you must keep them and dispose of them at a metal scrapyard.
What Are Guitar Strings Made of?
To start, it is important to know what guitar strings are made of. Today, we have three types of material used for guitar strings: Brass, stainless steel, and Nickel. All of these have pros and cons when it comes to comparing them.
Brass Strings
Brass is a typical building and household material because it is difficult for microorganisms to attach to. So, if you’re concerned about hygiene, it’s an excellent material for guitar strings. Brass is also highly sturdy and durable, and it is widely used in the production of acoustic guitars.
However, its solid properties make recycling challenging, although it is probably doable. It can be recycled several times and is one of the most recyclable alloys on the planet. It is unusual to locate a local recycling facility that accepts brass products, but you may discover a recycling firm that does. Of course, another option is to transport your strings to any musical firm that recycles them.
Nickel Strings
The majority of electric guitar strings are made of nickel, which is an inexpensive material that can also be recycled. However, it is commonly used to make coins and batteries, the latter of which does not need to be recycled. You can recycle nickel guitar strings, but because this material is resistant to severe heat, it must be melted for a long period. It is still doable, but the technique is complicated.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a particularly clean metal that is utilized in the production of guitar strings. Because it is non-corrosive, it is a great material for surfaces that will come into touch with water.
Of course, aside from the perspiration on your fingers, your guitar strings will not come into touch with moisture, thus corrosion is unlikely. It’s also fairly recyclable, although you’ll get a lot of usage out of the strings before you have to recycle them due to their durability.
How Do You Dispose Of Guitar Strings?
If you are like me, every once in a while you will find an old string on the floor somewhere in the corner of the room. That is not the best way to dispose of your old guitar strings. On the other hand, guitar strings cannot be recycled in the usual sense. But there is a workaround.
D’Addario established the Playback rewards program in April of 2016, where you can send your strings to them in a 2-pound minimum box in return for points. These points may be redeemed for new strings and other D’Addario items such as merchandise, straps, new strings, and other great things. The limitation is that Playback is now only available in the United States, whereas Players Circle is available in many countries.
Should I Throw Away Guitar Strings? Environmental Friendly Answer
So, you have changed your old strings for new ones and you have a handful of old guitar strings that are most likely rusty, what should you do now? Well, you should not throw them away instantly.
My advice would be to wrap them and put them in a package of the new strings you bought. Old strings will always come in handy if you have a string break during a live performance. Essentially, you should always have an old set of strings in your guitar case at your disposal. I cannot emphasize how many times old strings have come in handy in emergency situations.
Here are some environmentally friendly alternatives to throwing away guitar strings:
Recycle
Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept nylon guitar strings. Some centers may have specific guidelines for recycling these items.
Repurpose
Consider using your old nylon guitar strings for other purposes, such as fishing line or to create jewelry or other crafts.
Donate
If you no longer have use for your old guitar strings, consider donating them to a music school or organization that could use them.
Properly Dispose
If you are unable to recycle or repurpose your nylon guitar strings, it is important to properly dispose of them in a landfill. Be sure to cut them into small pieces and put them in a sealed garbage bag to prevent littering.
By following these guidelines, you can help to reduce waste and protect the environment.
How Do You Recycle Nylon Strings?
Nylon strings are not too different from regular steel strings. The metal that is wrapped around nylon guitar strings creates difficulty. It is difficult to separate the metal from the plastic part when it comes to nylon strings.
Considering this, this type of guitar strings will usually last longer than steel guitar strings. With all of the nylon utilized on the earth, we must consider selecting the best option with this string kind.
Here are some best practices for recycling nylon guitar strings:
- Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept nylon guitar strings. Some centers may have specific guidelines for recycling these items. If your local recycling center does not accept nylon guitar strings, you may be able to find a specialized recycling facility that does. Search online for options in your area.
- Consider repurposing your old nylon guitar strings. For example, you could use them as fishing line or to create jewelry or other crafts.
- Alternatively, you could donate your old nylon guitar strings to a music school or organization that could use them.
- When disposing of nylon guitar strings, be sure to cut them into small pieces to prevent them from getting tangled or causing harm to wildlife.
- If you are unable to recycle or repurpose your nylon guitar strings, it is important to properly dispose of them in a landfill. Be sure to put them in a garbage bag and seal it tightly to prevent littering.
Best Practices To Follow To Increase The Longevity Of Guitar Strings
Over many years, guitars have found many workarounds to improve the life of their guitar and guitar strings. There are a couple of tricks and practices you can do to save money on strings. Here is a list of a few tips and tricks.
Coated strings
Corrosion will cause some strings to wear out faster than others, but not coated rings. They feature a coating that helps decrease the effects of corrosion, unlike the most common non-coated strings on the market.
If you are a frequent heavy player, you should invest in high-quality strings, and nothing beats coated strings. The coating’s principal purpose is to keep the strings from corroding, hence extending their lifespan.
Clean Hands
Washing your hands might also help your guitar strings last longer. Aside from the perspiration and moisture that our hands deposit on the strings, dead skin cells, filth, and grime all contribute to the rusting of your guitar strings.
Properly Storing Your Guitar
Storing your guitar in a humid place will significantly increase the rate at which your guitar string rust. This is due to oxygen, moisture, and electrons on strings combining. The problem with moisture is that it will stick to the coating of your string and that is the main reason your guitar strings rust. So, keep your guitar in a nice cozy guitar case.
Cleaning The Guitar After Each Session
Finally, the most essential thing for the life of your guitar strings is to clean them carefully after each session. Cleaning the strings properly entails pinching each string separately and sliding it from the bridge of the instrument to the headstock with a microfiber towel.
Conclusion
Recycling and safe garbage disposal are no longer optional. As a result, producers, governments, and consumers all play a role. How you dispose of your trash matters, as do the materials used in manufacturing, and it is up to the government to establish adequate waste disposal procedures. Properly storing and disposing of your strings should be on every guitarist’s mind when he or she decides to change them
