Vinyl records are not recyclable in normal recycling streams because they are made of PVC. I would think a classical CD collection would sell as a lot, or subdivided into smaller batches (by label, composer, conductor) on ebay. I have purchased large lots, both vinyl and CD before. Rarities will always sell. I think Discogs might give you an idea about value. You might contact a local Auctioneer or Auction House. USPS has inexpensive Media Mail rates. It will take a little effort... If you want Zero Effort hire someone to take them to Goodwill, they have a corporate structure that can extract value from "collectables". Other (non-corporate) thrift stores recognize LP and CD, and books as value streams, some more eager to do so than others (major metropolitan areas have a stronger used market). It surprises me that no stores (used record stores) would make an offer on a collection. I'm always sad when someone liquidates... but it is a new opportunity for someone else. It might be helpful for members here to see a list.
What to do with a large collection
I have thousands of CDs and records and am looking to get rid of most of them. i can’t possibly listen to them in my remaining years and my wife doesn’t need them. CDs, it turns out, are not very viable these days, and if you want to sell them to a dealer you can only get store credit!! And, if as in my case, the collection is 90% classical, it seems they will be impossible to unload. Since CDs are antiques these days, I can’t imagine ANYONE who would want them. The only alternative I can see is the garbage. When you consider just how much of an investment they were it’s indeed a sobering realization.
Records are indeed “in,” but how desirable are classical LP’s?
Any suggestions?