Donating CDs, DVDs, records and games: what actually sells

Short answer: the disc needs to play, the case needs to match it, and box sets need every disc present. Scratched-beyond-play, missing cases, and VHS are the most common reasons shops turn media away.

What sells well

• CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays with the case, sleeve art and (ideally) the inlay booklet all present.
• Vinyl records in good condition — there's been a genuine resurgence in demand, and well-known albums in playable condition can do surprisingly well.
• Complete box sets and series — a full season missing one disc is usually worth far less to a shop than a complete one.
• Console games with the disc/cartridge and case together; some shops also want the original artwork insert.

What usually gets turned away

• Anything scratched badly enough to skip or fail to play — shops can't test every disc before sale, so visibly damaged ones are refused on sight.
• Cases without discs, or discs without cases — both are treated as unsellable on their own.
• VHS tapes — most general charity shops no longer take these at all, as demand has effectively disappeared; a specialist retro/media shop is a better bet if you have any.

Not accepted, or not worth donating?

Music Magpie and CeX both buy CDs, DVDs, games and some vinyl for cash or credit, even in bulk — a good option if you have a large collection to clear in one go rather than trickle into a shop. Broken plastic cases can usually go in household recycling; check your council's guidance, as acceptance varies.

Check the shops currently accepting CDs, DVDs and records near you before you box them up.