Musical instruments reuse project

The ReUse of materials is a core part of the Circular Economy and an important contributor to global sustainability. Items we throw out may still be fit for purpose – albeit some minor repairs may be required. That is why Fingal County Council established the Musical Instruments Reuse Project. Instruments were being disposed of at recycling centres, many of which were in good working order or in need of minor repairs. The project involved establishing instruments collection at the recycling centres, after which they were cleaned, repaired and tested. Once ready, instruments were re-distributed back into schools, community organisations, centres for disability and autism, addiction and rehabilitation and also to individuals. In the last 3 years over 150 instruments have been re-cycled back into the community.

Acoustic guitars, electric and bass guitars, keyboards and drums are the most common instruments handed in for ReUse. Musicians carry out the repairs and there are some beautiful items donated. Sometimes the more unusual instruments such as saxophones, fiddles and flutes are donated, these are generally given to established music groups for lessons.

Pianos are generally not accepted for ReUse at recycling centres. However, there are people who take pianos, they work on them as art pieces to create bespoke pianos for resale… so please get in touch if you have a good piano to offer.

Where can I donate my instrument?

Fingal County Council accepts musical instruments at recycling centres in Swords Estuary and Coolmine.

Several Local Authorities are in the initial stages of setting up a circular ReUse system for musical instruments. The social dimension of the project is of value to the recipients.

What should I do with unused instruments?

The following Local Authorities have a musical instruments ReUse program in place.

Fingal County Council – Donate at Swords Estuary and Coolmine. Click here to go to Fingals website.

You can drop unused or unwanted musical instruments to our Recycling Centres.

We clean and repair the instruments and offer them to schools, migrant centres, community groups, centres for autism and rehabilitation