Pencils Made from Recycled CD Cases

Switching to eco friendly pencils is one of the simplest ways to help the planet. Whether you sketch, take notes, or just love a good crossword, these pencils add a happy, green twist to your everyday routine.

Vent for Change offers pencils that use recycled CD cases for the body, sold in cardboard packaging. Sold in a pack of 3, these are tree-free, yet sharpen like cedarwood pencils. The company does sell some items made from recycled leather (we don’t list these, as it may create a market).

Pencils are choking hazards, so keep them away from young children and pets. Some plantable ‘seed pencils’ contain wildflowers that are not safe near animal friends. Read our post on pet-friendly gardens.

Never throw pencils on the street. Any litter ends up going down storm drains and into the sea. If you’ve ever accidentally stabbed your hand with a pencil, you can imagine how discarded pens and pencils can harm marine creatures.

Recycled CD case pencils offer surprising strength. The reclaimed plastic makes the barrel less likely to snap under pressure. You get a pencil that holds up to regular use, whether you’re jotting notes at school or sketching at your desk.

Each pencil reclaims plastic that would otherwise end up in landfill or the ocean. Old CD cases are shredded and processed into new, usable barrels. This keeps single-use plastics in the loop and reduces demand for fresh materials.

Where to Recycle Plastic Pens and Pencils

Terracycle offers a free writing instruments recycling programme, sponsored by industry. Just order a box for your office, school or community then everyone can deposit unwanted pens, pencils, highlighters, correction fluids, felt-tips pens and erasers.

You can download a poster to display near the recycling box, and all items are sent off to be made into other things (like park benches).