10 Creative Ways to Repurpose or Recycle Floppy Disks

Remember the days when AOL would mail us a floppy disk for the latest upgrade? The kind that worked with our trusty 56k dial-up modem. We'd shout, 'What a lucky day!' as we slid the disk into our computer. The familiar sound of the modem trying to connect would fill the air. 'Oh no, the server’s busy!' Then, 'Yes! The backup number works!' Can't wait to chat about Korn!

Things have certainly evolved, but floppy disks have remained stuck in the past. They're practically useless now. Universities and businesses have piles of them, and I bet many of us still have one or two gathering dust in a drawer. So, folks, here are some suggestions on how to give these relics a new life.

1. Recycle them with Greendisk

Greendisk is a recycling service that accepts floppy disks, along with pretty much any type of tech waste you can think of. Yes, that includes your old Zip drive, too.

2. Craft a Floppy Disk Bag

Instructables provides a step-by-step guide on how to create a bag out of floppy disks. It’s the perfect accessory for those who love nostalgia and a DIY challenge.

3. Make a Floppy Disk Notepad

This clever gadget from Etsy transforms floppy disks into a compact notebook paper holder. It's incredibly practical, portable, and the floppy disk surfaces are reusable. Gearlog shows you how to create your own version.

4. Repurpose them into a DIY RAID Drive

You can assemble a RAID drive out of what most people would consider junk. Not a fan of that idea? Well, you can always attach an abacus to your computer instead.

5. Create a Floppy Disk Pen Holder

Craft a simple floppy disk box. Store pens inside, grab one when needed, and jot down notes on your floppy disk notepad. It’s a neat way to recycle! I have to mention this before CDs become obsolete. You can also repurpose those old floppy disks (the original flexible ones) by slicing them open. A CD or DVD fits perfectly inside. Wikihow has the full instructions.

6. Floppy Disk Letter Holder

Mikeups, a YouTube creator, demonstrates how to turn floppy disks into a functional letter holder, pen holder, and cubby holes.

7. Floppy Disk Dot Com Will Buy Your Disks!

[i]From FloppyDisk.com: Their recycling program is extended until December 31, 2009. Just send your old disks and they’ll handle the recycling. No need to erase or reformat the disks yourself—they’ll take care of that for you. Simply ship them to: Floppydisk Recycle Program, 2620 Walnut Ave Unit D, Tustin, CA 92780-7028. If you have 500 or more disks to recycle, they’ll pay you 2 cents per disk. Yes, 2 cents per disk! 501 disks will earn you $10.02, which isn’t bad for what’s essentially trash.

8. Donate Them to the ACT Recycling Program

ACT is an organization that provides employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. They also recycle floppy disks. My personal motto is, 'Lend a hand and get rid of a floppy disk.'

9. Convert a Floppy Disk into a USB Drive

Thomas O'Connor successfully converted a floppy disk into a USB drive.

Bonus: Create your very own Starship Enterprise from floppy disks.