How to Dispose of Expired Credit Cards and Debit Cards: A Guide

The Importance of Proper Waste Disposal

Proper waste disposal is essential for safeguarding the Planet, reducing one’s environmental impact, and combating air and water pollution.
Recycling various materials like glass, plastic, or paper helps in releasing fewer toxic waste into the environment, eliminating the need to extract new raw materials from the Earth, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Disposing of Expired Credit Cards and Debit Cards

Many individuals may have doubts about how to dispose of certain types of waste, especially for outdated and composite materials like expired credit cards and debit cards.
Even though expired or unused, credit cards still contain sensitive data and some even have a magnetic microchip.

Cards and Cards without a Microchip: How to Dispose of Them

Credit cards and debit cards are made of plastic and contain a magnetic strip and a microchip.
It is essential to dispose of them correctly after expiration.
If the card does not have a microchip, regardless of its function, it should be thrown away in the general waste bin.

Prior to disposing of it, it is recommended to cut the card into multiple pieces, at least 16, to protect the sensitive data it holds, especially for IDs or credit cards.
It is also suggested to dispose of the card pieces gradually to prevent them from being reassembled.

Credit Cards and Debit Cards with Microchips: Proper Disposal Methods

For credit cards or debit cards with microchips, some financial institutions provide services for the destruction of expired cards.
If such a service is not available, these cards are considered electronic waste and should be taken to specialized collection centers for correct disposal.

Customers should check with their bank if they offer a similar service or dispose of them at designated e-waste collection points.