How do you dispose of old VHS tapes?
The first is through erasing the existing data from the tape by using a powerful magnet. When the tape is passed through the magnetic field, it will scramble and rearrange the magnetic particles on the tape, permanently erasing all the existing data and making it unreadable.
Do VCR tapes get recycled?
VHS tapes and VCRs are both generally considered e-waste, and there are many e-waste recycling companies out there that will take them off your hands.
How do I dispose of old VHS tapes UK?
Video tapes cannot be recycled using your local council's kerbside recycling bin, bag or box. Video tapes can be disposed of in your local council's kerbside residual bin or at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.
What can you do with old DVD and VHS tapes?
But having said that, you can't just toss them in your recycling bin. Here are a few tips to properly dispose of your VHS tapes....Residential waste and recycling center. ... Greendisk. ... Donate to Goodwill. ... Sell online on Ebay or Amazon. ... Give away for free on Craigslist or Freecycle. ... Library.More items...•
Are old VHS tapes worth anything?
Some old VHS tapes fetch real money because they're hard to find, or fans are especially nostalgic about the film. You could also get some money from your old tapes of Disney movies if they are Black Diamond editions, which were the original series of VHS tapes released between 1984 and 1994.
Can CDs be recycled?
Yes, DVDs & CDs can be recycled at some out of home recycling points.
What can I do with all my old videos?
5 Ways to Recycle Your Old VHS TapesSell Them. The first, and easiest, solution is to sell your collection online, on eCommerce websites such as eBay. ... Get Creative. A common method for recycling things such as VHS tapes is to get creative and 'up-cycle' them. ... Keep Away Birds. ... Eco Bags. ... Create Art.
What can I do with old cassette tapes and CDs?
How to Recycle CDs & TapesDonate your old CD, DVDs and tapes to a secondhand store or music reseller for reuse. Even if the items are scratched, it's likely they can be repaired and resold. ... Use them for a DIY art project.Mail your media to a company like the CD Recycling Center of America or GreenDisk.
What are valuable VHS tapes?
These are the VHS tapes that are actually worth something.65 Most Valuable VHS Tapes of All Time. ... Pinocchio (Tie) ... The Great Mouse Detective (Tie) ... The Sound of Music. ... The Rescuers (Tie) ... E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Tie) ... The Wild Life. ... Killer Klowns From Outer Space.More items...•
Where can I donate VHS movies near me?
Drop off old VHS tapes to a Goodwill, Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop. Donating unwanted items like these tapes extends their lifespans.
Who buys old VHS?
The Best Places To Sell VHS TapeseBay. One of the best places to sell VHS tapes is eBay. ... Craigslist. Another popular marketplace where people buy VHS tapes is Craigslist. ... 3. Facebook Marketplace. The Facebook Marketplace is one of the most popular local selling marketplaces out there. ... A Garage Sale. ... OfferUp. ... Amazon.
How long do VHS tapes last?
10 to 25 yearsVHS tape life expectancy varies from one VHS tape to the next. In general, VHS deterioration of 10–20% occurs over a period of 10 to 25 years. Better quality tapes have a slightly longer lifespan, as do VHS tapes that have been kept in a climate-controlled setting.
What can you do with old VCR players?
Alternative Ways to Recycle Best Buy will take back old VCRs and many other home electronics for free; they also offer a trade-in program for more desired electronics. They accept up to three items per day from each household.
Where can I donate VHS movies near me?
Drop off old VHS tapes to a Goodwill, Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop. Donating unwanted items like these tapes extends their lifespans.
What do you do with empty cassette cases?
5 new uses for old cassette tape cases - Lego mini figures, Business card holder, phone holder, ribbon cases and gift boxes Upcycling (the now hard to come by) old cassette tape cases - I had such fun - which is your favourite?
What should I do with old CDs?
How to Recycle CDs & TapesDonate your old CD, DVDs and tapes to a secondhand store or music reseller for reuse. Even if the items are scratched, it's likely they can be repaired and resold. ... Use them for a DIY art project.Mail your media to a company like the CD Recycling Center of America or GreenDisk.
How to dispose of VHS tapes?
If figuring out how to dispose of VHS tapes is too challenging on your own, you can send your tapes to be recycled to companies such as “Green Disk.” They accept many types of e-waste, from iPods, to CD cases to many other items. Additionally, consider selling your tapes on Craigslist. That way you can rest easy knowing someone else will enjoy your CDs, and make some money on the side. Think about donating them to Goodwill. Goodwill is a country-wide chain thrift store that teaches disadvantaged community members job skills by accepting donations, selling them, and paying the members with the proceeds. Or, you could offer your tapes for free on Freecycle. Freecycle is a community group that anyone can join where people exchange offers and requests for used household objects and clothes. Simply Google Freecycle and join your local group. Post a message online saying that you have VHS tapes available, and usually within an hour, someone (or a few people!) will likely message you inquiring about taking them off of your hands.
How to get to black tape on VHS?
To get to the black tape, you must pry open the plastic case with a screw driver and remove the tape yourself.
What can you do with black tape?
One thing you can do with this black tape is to use it in your garden as a “scare crow.”.
Why are VHS tapes hard to recycle?
According to Earth911, VHS tapes are difficult to recycle not because of the outside casing, but the magnetic media inside. The casing on VHS tapes is mostly made of No. 5 plastic or polypropylene, which can be recycled. The inside, on the other hand, is mylar tape, made of No. 1 plastic, which is coated in an assortment of metals that are not so easy to recycle. It’s not that this mylar isn’t inherently reusable, it’s just that no one really wants it.
What factors affect the price of a tape?
According to GreenCitizen, the condition of the tape, both the external and internal components, will impact price. Other factors include the content and rarity of the tape in question. There are markets and collectors out there, you just have to find the right one.
Does Earth911 take VCRs?
Earth911 has a wonderful recycling locator that can help you find e-waste recycling companies in your area. Some mainstream stores like Best Buy will accept old electronics for recycling, such as VCRs, though you'll have to contact your local store to see if it will take VHS tapes as well.
Can VCRs play VHS tapes?
Believe it or not, some people still have functioning VCRs that will allow them to play VHS tapes. Article continues below advertisement. VHS tapes and VCRs are both generally considered e-waste, and there are many e-waste recycling companies out there that will take them off your hands.
What to do after VHS tape conversion?
After conversion of VHS tapes to digital (DVD or flash drive), always check to make sure your memories transferred without any problems. The last thing you want is to discover there was an error with a file after the original tape is gone!
Why recycle the plastic parts of tapes?
There’s no shortage of demand for recycled polypropylene because people unnecessarily throw so much of it away. It takes about 20-30 years for this type of plastic to fully decompose in a landfill. While that is much less time than some other plastics, the environmental benefits of recycling #5 plastic are no less significant due to the sheer number of products made from this plastic and the small percentage being recycled.
What about other video tapes?
You can recycle other obsolete video tape formats using a similar process. For example, you can separate the encasement of an 8 mm tape from the rest of the tape for recycling just like a VHS tape. Just be aware the screws are much smaller, so you will need a different size screwdriver. You can also include the cases of 8 mm tapes with the rest of the plastic pieces when preparing for recycling.
How to remove plastic tape from plastic?
So simply use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove each screw. Over a garbage container, separate the top of the tape from the bottom and allow the spools and loose pieces inside to drop into the garbage. Remove the rest of the pieces inside the tape until the plastic shell is all that remains.
How long does it take for plastic to decompose?
It takes about 20-30 years for this type of plastic to fully decompose in a landfill. While that is much less time than some other plastics, the environmental benefits of recycling #5 plastic are no less significant due to the sheer number of products made from this plastic and the small percentage being recycled.
Can video tapes be recycled?
Since video tapes are not hard to take apart, I recommend setting aside the recyclable parts and throwing away only what can’t be recycled. This is not only a greener option for the planet but also more cost-effective for you.
Do tapes have metals?
Also there are no metals of any value in the tape, plus just a few tapes can take up a lot of storage space. The only real value anymore comes from the home movies they may contain, which can usually be converted to a modern media format. This leaves really no reason anymore to hang on to them.
Does the Salvation Army take VHS tapes?
If you have a Salvation Army nearby, they might take your VHS tapes. It seems that over the past year, some branches have begun phasing out selling VHS tapes. So, before you head to a drop-off center, give your branch a call to see whether or not they’ll accept your donations.
Can you recycle VHS tapes?
Good news – you can recycle VHS tapes.
Does Best Buy recycle VHS tapes?
While Best Buy doesn’t recycle VHS tapes , they do recycle old VCRs. So, if you have a VCR you want to get rid of, you can drop it off at the Best Buy Recycling center.
Do VHS tapes make a comeback?
However, as the years have passed, it’s become quite clear that VHS tapes aren’t going to make a comeback. Instead, they usually end up contributing to clutter – especially if you have an extensive collection.
Can you sell VHS tapes on Freecycle?
If you are ready to part with your VHS tapes, you can make a listing on FreeCycle and pass them on to someone locally.
Can you put VHS tapes in the recycling bin?
No, you should not put VHS tapes in the recycling bin. While the outside of the tape is recyclable plastic, the film is not—you’ll need to take VHS tapes to an e-waste recycling center.
