It’s nice to have a collection of vinyl LP records, whether it’s a rare copy of the Sex Pistols’ unreleased singles or the greatest hits of Neil Sedaka. Many music fanatics preserve their vinyl records like sacred objects, although many people end up having records that are too scratched or cracked to play and enjoy on a record player. While it does suck to break a valuable record that’s worth a lot of money when it’s in mint condition, most broken records are from a bygone era where the music does kind of suck.

Millions of broken and ruined vinyl records are thrown to dumps and landfills every year. Vinyl is non-biodegradable, and adds up to the volume of garbage that pollutes and endangers the planet. Covering up a room of your wall with old vinyl records is just too clichéd, and there are many other ways to have fun with those old black LPs. Instead of throwing those vinyl records away or covering up a wall with them, here are some ways to reuse them.

1. Frisbee

Vinyl discs are quite aerodynamic, and are loads of fun when used as a Frisbee. It takes a bit of technique and a softer flick of the wrist to make the vinyl-record Frisbee soar up high in the air. Frisbees and throwing discs made from vinyl records are a great idea for lawn parties, or you can take a few old unusable LPs with you when you go to the beach.

Keep in mind that vinyl records are thin, can shatter, and have a rather sharp edge. Be very careful when catching a vinyl record thrown up high in the air, because the sharp edge around the disc may cause a deep, nasty cut.

2. Vinyl LP Paddle-Ball

There’s endless fun to be had with a piece of rubberized thread, a ping-pong ball, and an old vinyl record. Paddle-ball is loads of fun, especially if you grow tired of playing computer games and other pastimes. Follow these steps to make a toy that will keep you occupied for hours on end:

• Prepare a vinyl record, a piece of semi-elastic thread, a ping-pong ball, and a big needle or an office push-pin.
• Thread one end of the rubberized thread into the hole in the middle of the vinyl record. Tie a couple of loose knots to secure the thread to the LP.
• Punch a small hole into the ping-pong ball. The hole should be big enough to fit a very small knot.
• Tie a small knot or splice at the other end of the string, and fit the knot into the hole you made on the ping-pong ball. It helps to have a big sewing needle to poke the knot in and ensure a tight fit.

Now you can play with a paddle-ball toy made from an old unusable LP record. For best results, use old discs of artists and bands you don’t want to listen to, or are not worth keeping. If the greatest hits of Chicago or Hall & Oates LPs don’t appeal to you, their records are perfect for paddle-ball.

3. Plate, Saucer, or Cup Coaster

Another great way to recycle old LPs is to use them as serving dishes or add them to your table settings. Traditional black vinyl records have a stark and pleasing contrast to many dishes, especially if they have pleasing and appealing colors. You can use LPs as serving dishes, plates, and saucers for music-themed parties and celebrations, especially if you’re celebrating the 1960s and the 1970s. You can even use old vinyl records for your coffee table as a coaster or a mat.

If you want to stick to the vinyl record theme, you can also use a scratched and ruined vinyl record to carve roasts and other dishes. Vinyl is also a terrific insulator, and works great to keep foods warm. Make sure not to use a vinyl record to cover piping-hot dishes like soups and stews.

Before you use LP records to serve food, make sure that they’re no longer playable and that they’re free from dust, dirt and grime. Wash them thoroughly and wipe them down with food-grade disinfectant before piling on the food.

4. Pellet Gun Target

In the Old West, cowboys used to brag about how they can shoot a bullet cleanly through the middle of a silver dollar. Clay pigeon shooting is also a popular activity, although not too many people can afford to pay for it. If you own a pellet gun or an air shotgun loaded with non-lethal rounds or practice bullets, you can use them to shoot a history of bad music and bad LPs down to smithereens.

The trick is to toss the vinyl record as high as you can, and aim to shoot the record to pieces. Using a record as a pellet gun is fun especially when you start shooting the notes and scratches out of LPs and singles you regret you even bought. Always remember to shoot safely; do not aim the gun at persons or animals, and make sure you shoot the records on a clear, open field.

5. Clock

Many hobby shops sell battery-operated clock parts for hobbyists. Clock-making parts consist of a control/battery box and the hands of a standard mechanical clock. Here are the materials and tools you need to make a clock out of an old vinyl LP:

• Record
• Complete battery clock parts (you can buy these from a hobby store, or salvage one from an old clock)
• Glue
• Small screwdriver

To make a funky clock, follow these steps:

1. Glue the body of the battery clock to the B-side of the record. Use the center pin of the body as a guide to keep the clock hands centered.

2. Make sure that the center pin fits inside the center hole of the record.

3. Arrange the clock’s hands on the pin. The second hand goes first, followed by the minute hand, and finally the hour hand.

4. Secure the cap or pin that holds all the hands together.

Now it’s all a matter of hanging the clock on a nice place, where people can admire your taste in music and in home decorations.

Yes, even that ruined recording of Elvis Presley’s 1968 Comeback Special or those old Paul Anka ballads on LP can be put to good use. All it takes to recycle and reuse vinyl records is ingenuity, creativity, and a lot of old LPs to work on.