Are your musical instruments gathering dust?
Then why not give them a new start with the RePlay Instruments initiative
What is RePlay Instruments?
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.
Where can I donate my instrument?
Fingal County Council accepts musical instruments at recycling centres in Swords Estuary and Coolmine.
Several other Local Authorities are in the initial stages of setting up a circular ReUse system for musical instruments. As these are established they will be listed here.
What instruments can I donate?
All instruments are accepted but we have found that 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.
What should I do with unused instruments?
You can drop unused or unwanted musical instruments to Recycling centres at
Fingal County Council – Swords Estuary and Coolmine
Once cleaned and repaired the instruments are offered to local schools, community groups, migrant centres, centres for autism and rehabilitation.
This Circular Economy project is supported by
