How many VCR tapes were made in the 40 years?
Can you recycle tapes?
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What should I do with my old VHS tapes?
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...•
Should I throw away my VHS tapes?
Answer: VHS tapes and audio tapes are not considered household hazardous waste and can be disposed of, if they can not be reused or recycled.
Does anyone collect old VHS tapes?
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 I put video tapes in the bin?
The outer cases of VHS, Betamax and audio cassette tapes are indeed plastic, and at least theoretically recyclable. But you can't just chuck the whole thing into a recycling bin. The inner tape is made of a phthalate-laden form of the plastic polyethylene, often sold under the trade name Mylar, which is not recyclable.
Is there a market for VHS tapes?
“Most VHS tapes are sold on eBay,” he said. “Looking at the recent sales of Disney movies, the price range was $20 to $316. Cult classic VHS movie prices ranged from $35 to $200.” A sealed vintage copy of 'Star Wars' on VHS is up for auction, worth $60K.
How much are Vcrs worth now?
ContentsMany VHS tapes are worth 50 cents to a few dollars, though collectible tapes can sell for up to $50 or more. Betamax tapes can sell for up to $20 or more. Here are some real-world videotape values.TITLEFORMATSOLD PRICEThe Legend of Hillbilly JohnVHS$70Garbage Pail Kids (original blue tape hard case)VHS$10411 more rows
Do charity shops take old VHS videos?
Charity shops are typically still grateful for donations of video tapes. Older generations are those that are most likely to still use video players, and they're also one of the more common groups likely to visit charity shops, so for now it's a great way to get re-use out of old video tapes.
What is the rarest VHS tape?
10 Rarest VHS Tapes And How Much They're Worth8 A History Of Violence - $120. ... 7 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - $300. ... 6 Walt Disney Home Video 1981 Releases - Varies From $50 - $300. ... 5 The Evil Dead - $300. ... 4 WCW Bash At The Beach 2000 - $500. ... 3 Halloween - $500. ... 2 Tales From The QuaDead Zone - $700. ... 1 Star Wars - $3,500 Sealed.More items...•
What are the rarest VHS tapes?
10 Rarest VHS Tapes And How Much They're Worth8 A History Of Violence - $120. ... 7 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - $300. ... 6 Walt Disney Home Video 1981 Releases - Varies From $50 - $300. ... 5 The Evil Dead - $300. ... 4 WCW Bash At The Beach 2000 - $500. ... 3 Halloween - $500. ... 2 Tales From The QuaDead Zone - $700. ... 1 Star Wars - $3,500 Sealed.More items...•
How do you erase VHS tapes?
To erase the video recorded on a cassette tape, you can simply record over it or use a bulk video tape eraser. First, ensure the write-protect tab on the cassette [FIG. 1] is set to the REC position. Then, rewind the tape to the beginning of the video that is to be erased.
Are old cassette tapes worth anything?
Yes, some of the cassette tapes do. Blank, unused cassette tapes might be worth just $2-$4 for the piece, but rare and branded ones might be worth much more. As it appears – die-hard collectors are now willing to pay top dollar to complete their collections of unusual cassette tapes.
Why did they stop making VHS tapes?
In 2003, the VHS began to die off the market, overcome by DVD sales and online rentals. What was once a progressive icon became a tech dinosaur—the fate of so many inventions. The final movie produced in VHS format was “A History in Violence,” which debuted in 2006.
Where to Donate VHS Tapes: Top Places to Donate and Recycle - Cabin Lane
If you’re like me, you lived in an era where purchasing or renting a new VHS tape was considered a fun Friday night. However, as the years have passed, it’s become quite clear that VHS tapes aren’t going to make a comeback.
Where can I take VHS tapes to be disposed of correctly?
Where can I take VHS tapes to be disposed of correctly? VHS tapes and audio tapes are not considered household hazardous waste and can be disposed of, if they can not be reused or recycled. A list of organizations who recycle these materials can be viewed on the Earth 911 website (first link below) by doing a search for video tapes. Our Smart Business Recycling website also has a list of ...
How to Recycle or Dispose of Video and Audio Cassette Tapes
How to Get Rid of Old VHS Tapes and Audio Cassettes? The Best Ways to Recycle / Dispose of Audio Cassettes, VHS Tapes, and more . Have you tried to declutter your space only to find you have stacks upon stacks of VHS tapes and no idea what to do with them?
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.
How to recycle VHS tapes?
Ways to recycle and reuse your tapes 1 Sell them. That’s right, you may no longer have use for your old VHS and cassette tapes, but that doesn’t mean someone else doesn’t. Try selling them online or at a garage sale to the highest bidder. Even a little change is better than no change, and some rare VHS tapes can bring in a nice pile of cash. 2 Trade them in. A lot of the video rental stores have faded from existence, but there are still some music and video stores that might have interest in your VHS or audio tape collection. After all, cassette tapes are making a bit of a comeback, so you never know what’s in store for your VHS collection. 3 Artwork. The beauty of art is that it’s not just in the eye of the beholder, it’s taking the normal and making it extraordinary. There are lots of artistic uses that your videotape and cassette tape collection can help with. It’s just finding the right person to use them -- or maybe it’s your turn to dabble in a little artistic craft. 4 Donate them. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. If you’ve digitized and you’re over continually storing and moving your tape collection, then donate it to your local thrift store, antique mall, library or local charity. There are so many places that still have use for the outdated media, you’re sure to find one.
How many feet of VHS tape per reel?
While VHS tapes may look easily recyclable, they actually contain more than 1,400 feet of tape per reel -- making it pretty difficult to dispose of each tape safely. But it can be done, and in a way that doesn’t end up with them littering the bottom of a landfill.
What is video tape made of?
Videotapes are made up of reels of tape. Duh, right? But did you know that the mylar plastic tape they house is actually coated in metals that are considered to be hazardous waste? Furthermore, the actual plastic used to make them is #5 plastic, which can take centuries to break down and decompose.
Can you recycle old cassette tapes?
Sell them. That’s right, you may no longer have use for your old VHS and cassette tapes, but that doesn’t mean someone else doesn’t.
Can you trade in VHS tapes?
After all, cassette tapes are making a bit of a comeback, so you never know what’s in store for your VHS collection.
Can you recycle tapes?
If you’re really keen on recycling your tapes in a more traditional way, then there are companies that exist to help you along your green journey. Whether you’re an individual or a business, places like GreenCitizen can recycle your tapes using a waste-to-energy incineration method that minimizes the environmental impact, reduces landfill and avoids global dumping. That sounds like a win-win-win.
Where can I recycle VHS tapes?
One sure way to recycle VHS tapes is to send them to Green Disk, a Washington-based company that specializes in recycling all kinds of e-waste. There is a small charge for their recycling services, but you can ship up to 25 pounds of material for the same price, so see if your friends or neighbors have old VHS tapes they want to get rid of. Or take this as an opportunity to clean out other old electronics you do not want, including jump drives, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, portable cassette players, Beta tapes, camera film, and rechargeable batteries. In many communities, VHS tapes are considered e-waste and can be recycled through the regular e-waste collection program. Different programs accept different things and have varying policies about where and when to leave items, so check with your local government waste management agency for more details. Here are a couple examples: Santa Barbara residents can drop off e-waste at one of three local collection centers, or have it picked up through the bulky waste disposal program. A private contractor in Will County, Illinois (which includes towns such as Aurora and Naperville) will pick up a limited number of e-waste items every year. Citizens can also take unwanted goods to one of several community partners that accept VHS tapes and other types of e-waste. Some places have businesses or nonprofits that specialize in VHS tape recycling. In Columbia, Missouri a group called Alternative Community Training (ACT) takes VHS tapes for recycling. All the proceeds are used to support their job training programs for people with disabilities.
Why is it important to recycle VHS tapes?
If they end up in a landfill they will sit there for thousands of years – and over time the hazardous metals on the tape may leech into the ground. If they end up in an incinerator they can release chemicals such as dioxins into the air we breathe. It may be hard to recycle VHS tapes, but it can be done, so please put the extra effort into making sure they do not end up in the waste stream.
What is the ribbon on a VHS tape?
VHS tapes are made with two different types of plastic. The outer cassette is typically made of polypropylene (PP) or #5 plastic. The inside ribbon is made with Mylar, a type of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or #1 plastic. The ribbon is coated with iron oxide and other metals, some of which are hazardous. Fun fact: Mylar is also used to make the ribbon on cassette tapes and 5¼” floppy disks.
What are VHS tapes made of?
VHS tapes were typically sold in cases of various kinds. Some were made of plastic; some were made of cardboard. The cardboard ones are easy to recycle; simply place them in your recycling bin along with other types of paper. Once you find a place that recycles VHS tapes (either in your community or online), check to see if they accept the plastic cases. Many of them will, but not all of them. If you cannot find a good place to dispose of plastic cases, consider reusing them. They are good for all kinds of things, from storing electronics and crayons to making cute purses and notebook covers.
Can VHS tapes be recycled?
In many communities, VHS tapes are considered e-waste and can be recycled through the regular e-waste collection program. Different programs accept different things and have varying policies about where and when to leave items, so check with your local government waste management agency for more details.
Why should I recycle VHS tapes?
As I have mentioned above, the primary reason you should recycle VHS videos is that you would want them to avoid going into landfill, as you would any other e-waste materials. Other types of e-waste materials like VHS videos include computers, mobile phones, CDs and DVDs, and players. If left unchecked in landfills, e-waste – VHS tapes included – will sit there for a thousand years or more, unable to biodegrade for long periods of time. Additionally, the metals included will leech into the ground, therefore contaminating it. And, if they find themselves going into an incinerator, they will release harmful chemicals like dioxins.
What do recyclers do with VHS?
What The Recyclers Do With The VHS Videos. Recyclers generally do two things to your VHS videos: repair or recycle. Repair: They repair the videos to be restored and put it on CDs and DVDs for storage purposes. Recycle: First, the process involves the separation of various plastic parts of these videos.
What happens after you separate plastic?
Then, after separating them, the recyclers then granulate and finally recycle them. They mix in the plastic parts with other plastics and give the paper parts to other paper recyclers for them to process.
What is a VHS video made of?
Generally, VHS videos are made from two types of plastic. The case is made of #5 plastic, also known as polypropylene (PP). Then, in the inside, it is made with Mylar, a polypropylene (PET) or #1 plastic. It also contains some form of metal coating.
How long does VHS tape last?
If left unchecked in landfills, e-waste – VHS tapes included – will sit there for a thousand years or more, unable to biodegrade for long periods of time. Additionally, the metals included will leech into the ground, therefore contaminating it.
How to contact WASTER?
Also, please call 1300 WASTER (1300 927 837) , or email us at [email protected] if you have any further questions.
Can you throw a VHS tape in the trash?
After all, problems will arise if you do throw it in the household trash. You cannot biodegrade VHS tapes; it will only persist in a landfill if you throw in the general waste bin. Instead, you can let VHS videos and audio cassette tapes be repaired or recycled by different companies here in Australia. Just a quick reminder: do not throw them in ...
Is a magnetic tape dangerous?
That’s what allows the tape to carry a magnetic signal. The tapes aren’t dangerous so long as they don’t start to break down, but there’s enough toxic metal there to earn them classification of electronic waste, or “e-waste.”.
Is VHS tape recyclable?
Extrapolated around the world, that’s a whole lot of obsolete plastic, indeed. If only it were that simple. The outer cases of VHS, Betamax and audio cassette tapes are indeed plastic, and at least theoretically recyclable. But you can’t just chuck the whole thing into a recycling bin.
Is mylar plastic recyclable?
The inner tape is made of a phthalate-laden form of the plastic polyethylene, often sold under the trade name Mylar, which is not recyclable. What’s worse, in these magnetic tapes the Mylar is coated with toxic metals, especially chromium. That’s what allows the tape to carry a magnetic signal.
Can you get rid of VHS tapes?
Even thrift stores will usually turn down donations: VHS tapes just don’t have market value anymore.
How much does a green disk cost?
Green Disk – Green Disk will recycle all of your “techno-trash” of 25 lbs or less for $14.95. If your recyclables weigh over 25 lbs, you’ll need to pay $0.50 extra per pound. For this program, you’ll need to pack up your VHS tapes and mail them in to be recycled.
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.
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 recycle VHS tapes?
Good news – you can recycle VHS tapes.
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.
How many VCR tapes were made in the 40 years?
Following its instructions, you can pack the tapes in a box and mail them. An estimated 10 billion tapes were produced during the 40 years of commercial VCR production, with the last manufacturer phasing them out in 2016, after sales had dwindled to less than a million a year. (DVDs passed VCR tapes in sales by 2001.)
Can you recycle tapes?
Still, many cartridges that contain the tapes are No. 5 plastic, so you can remove the tape from inside these containers, peel off the paper from the outside, and recycle them with No. 5 plastic. As for the tape itself, you will have to find an appropriate creative reuse. There are plenty of ideas on the internet, ranging from plausible to the exotic, for reuse of both the tapes inside and the containers.
