how do you reuse vhs tapes

How to Recycle, Reuse and Rid Yourself of VHS Tapes

1. Thrift Stores. Most thrift stores will accept donations of VHS tapes.
2. Green Disk. Green Disk will recycle your old VHS tapes for you.
3. Freecycle. Offer your VHS tapes on Freecycle and hope somebody else wants them.
4. Make Scarecrows. A few commentors on RecycleThis claim that you can use VHS tapes to keep...

Full Answer

What should I do with my old VHS tapes?

Your old VHS tapes might actually be worth something

• VHS tapes for kids you can cash in on. eBay is littered with Disney classics with asking prices of just a few bucks. ...
• Cult classics that can bring in real money. If you happen to have VHS copies of older or more unusual movies that are hard to find now, you might have ...
• Curb your enthusiasm. ...
• Bonus: How to store your old VHS tapes. ...

Where can you donate old VHS tapes?

We asked, and you answered! Last week, we posed a question: What are the most difficult items to recycle in Indianapolis ... Electronic waste, like old TVs, can contain toxic materials that ...

Do you own any of the most valuable VHS tapes?

Typically, the most valuable VHS tapes are one-offs, released in small batches. But, if you don't own any rare tapes, don't worry. Certain copies of better-known titles such as The Evil Dead have...

How to get rid of VHS tapes?

Try listing the pieces individually instead of trying to sell an incomplete set. The best way to get rid of an unwanted gift is to return it to the store it came from. If that's not an option, consider donating the item to a thrift store or an upcoming charity auction.

What can I make with old VHS tapes?

What Can You Do with Old VHS Tapes?VHS Foosball Table. This option is going to take a lot of time and VHS tapes, but this unique foosball table would be pretty cool to add to a game room or a college dorm! ... Storage Case. VHS tapes can also be used as a pencil case or storage container. ... Yarn Dispenser.

How many times can you tape over a VHS?

The standard for recording on a VHS tape is two hours. Additionally, a VHS tape can be recorded over up to 100 times. After this point, there is degradation of the tape to the point where you can no longer record or watch it.

Should you keep old VHS tapes?

VHS tapes degrade over time, so if the home videos are important or contain special memories, then converting the video will be the best way to keep the memories forever. There are a few ways to convert a VHS tape to a digital file, including doing it yourself or paying a company to do it, according to Komando.com.

How do you reseal VHS tapes?

6:008:54How to Repair a VHS Tape - Video Tape Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your scotch tape. And just somebody cut a piece that is going to be larger than the tape.MoreTake your scotch tape. And just somebody cut a piece that is going to be larger than the tape. Itself very carefully take your first piece and about halfway into the scotch tape.

What is the life expectancy of a VHS tape?

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.

Can you recover taped over VHS?

Yep, you can have moldy VHS tapes and this is a little tricky to recover from. Mold can cause the exact same damage as water, with a few other things like: your film can be eaten through from the mold. Sounds extreme and it is! That means your memories can be gone completely forever.

What is the most valuable VHS tape?

The 10 Most Expensive VHS Tapes Ever SoldBeauty and The Beast Black Diamond The Classics Disney Selling price: $239,998.98.Star Wars: A New Hope Value: $35,000. ... Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Value: $28,500. ... Top Gun Value: $8,200. ... The Lion King Value: $6,750. ... Star Wars (Sealed) Value: $3,500. ... Dr. ... More items...

How much is back to the future VHS tape worth?

$75,000Sign up for the Fortune Features email list so you don't miss our biggest features, exclusive interviews, and investigations. Never doubt the value of nostalgia.

How much is the Little Mermaid VHS tape worth?

The Little Mermaid VHS with original, also called "banned," cover art can sell for up to $300 on eBay. When searching completed listings, many sellers don't know to use the keywords original or banned cover art, so make sure those keywords are in the title and description area.

How do you fix a VHS tape that won't play?

5:478:01VHS tape stuck and won't play? Try this fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's not always that easy but before you decide to open up the cassette shell try this manuallyMoreIt's not always that easy but before you decide to open up the cassette shell try this manually rewind the cassette you've probably noticed that the tape reels don't spin like they do in an audio.

How do you manually wind a VHS tape?

Take your tape and place it face down on a table. Set it down with the flap facing away from you. Then, take your finger, a paperclip, or some other poking device, and begin turning the left spool counterclockwise. Continue turning until the spool won't turn anymore.

How do I dispose of VHS tapes?

When looking to dispose VHS tapes, you should consider donating them to thrift stores; recycling them at places like greendisk.com or freecycle.com...

Are old VHS tapes worth anything?

VHS tapes don't have much value today. You can expect to sell these to collectors for about 50 cents each.

Can I throw VHS tapes in the garbage?

While VHS tapes aren't necessarily considered hazardous, it's a better idea to try to recycle, upcycle or donate them than toss them in the landfill.

What are some ways to get rid of old VHS tapes?

But there are more ubiquitous ways to rid yourself of this outdated technology. Here are some options. Advertisement. 1. Thrift Stores. Most thrift stores will accept donations of VHS tapes. 2. Green Disk.

Is it safe to recycle VHS tapes?

While VHS tapes aren't necessarily considered hazardous, it's a better idea to try to recycle, upcycle or donate them than toss them in the landfill.

Can you use VHS tapes to keep birds out of your garden?

A few commentors on RecycleThis claim that you can use VHS tapes to keep birds out of your garden. Snip the tape and unravel it. The fluttering, black tape will scare birds away.

How to make boxy shelving out of VHS tapes?

Make boxy shelving out of VHS tapes glued together in squares. Lay 1 tape flat, then use super glue to glue a tape vertically at 1 end of that so the skinny part is stuck to the surface of it. Glue the skinny part of another tape near the edge of the wide part of the vertical tape.

How to make a VHS tape table?

1. Glue old VHS tapes together to create coffee tables or night stands. Glue 16 tapes together, side-by-side in a 4 by 4 grid, to create a table top. Glue tapes together in stacks of 4 (so the flat parts are stuck to each other) to make the legs. You can use super glue or any other strong glue, such as epoxy, to attach the tapes to one another ...

How to make bookends with VHS tapes?

Attach VHS tapes to old CDs to create bookends. Use super glue, or a hot glue gun, to glue 1 or 2 old CDs to the bottom of 1 or 2 old VHS tapes. Lay the CD flat on a table, put a bead of glue on the skinny bottom part of a tape, and stick it vertically across the middle of the CD so it stands up . If your VHS tapes have the old cardboard sleeve-type ...

Why do VHS tapes have sleeve covers?

If your VHS tapes have the old cardboard sleeve-type covers, you can keep them on to give each bookend a unique look and add an interesting touch to your bookshelf.

Can you use VHS tapes to make a pixel?

For instance, you could use VHS tapes to create the pixely outline of an old video game character like Pac-Man.

Is VHS tape toxic?

The tape inside of VHS tapes is coated with metals that can leave a black dust on your skin. This dust is potentially toxic, so make sure to always wash your hands after handling the tape. It is not recommended to wear anything made out of the tape.

Can you glue VHS tapes together?

You can glue them together to make things like furniture and art, or even turn them into lights! You can also use individual parts of VHS tapes for other practical purposes, like wrapping gifts, spooling thread, or storing art supplies. Steps.

How to recycle VHS tapes?

This is one of the simplest VHS recycling methods. Simply hollow the tapes, make a couple of hinges, attach a strap from the VHS tape, and you are good to go with your own unique VHS clutch!

What to do with old VHS tapes?

Before we can go over the list of ways to reuse or recycle old VHS tapes, we must first figure out how to preserve the contents that the tapes contain. After all, even though the tapes may take up a lot of space in your home, they still contain precious memories or movies that you were fond of.

How to make bookends with VHS tape?

These will become the base of the bookends. Take some hot glue and add a dollop on the CD. Place the VHS tape on the bottom part, sticking it to the CD. Let it stand and allow the glue to dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Once that’s done, your bookends are ready!

How to make a VHS lamp?

If you’re looking for something truly unique, turn your VHS tapes into a small lamp. All you need to do is unscrew the VHS tape to open it up. You’ll need a very small screwdriver to remove all the screws. Now, take it apart and carefully lift the spools, remembering to cut the tape in the middle.

How to wrap yarn in VHS tape?

Open up your VHS tape and wrap the yarn around the spools. Now place the wrapped spools back in the tape with the end of the yarn sticking through the tape. Close back the tape and enjoy a no-yarn-rolling knitting experience!

What to do if your tapes have been damaged?

If your tapes have suffered damage, professionals can use cutting-edge equipment and software to edit the footage, giving it better colors, contrast, and removing any imperfections that might worsen the watching experience.

What can you use to make luggage tags?

The soft cardboard cases can be used to make cool luggage tags. You can get as creative as you want and readdress your suitcases on your vacation trips. Not only do they look cute but they’ll also ensure that your luggage always arrives at the correct hotel!

When did VHS start?

When VHS first came around in the mid-1970s, it was a huge, amazing deal. The technology changed the way we watched and recorded video!

Can you make a table with a ton of tapes?

If you still own a ton of tapes but have all of the footage stored away digitally, you can just make a table to set all of your movie-time snacks on instead!

Can you braid VHS tapes?

If you take the time to deconstruct a fair number of VHS tapes (this DIY-er used 18 rolls), you can braid a strong rope!

Who made the VHS tape coffee table?

This rather amazing coffee table made from what looks like hundreds of VHS tapes was created by Josue Ormeno and I personally think it looks rather cool and for a designer made table not that expensive at all.

Can VHS tapes be used as hiding places?

This idea uses the VHS tape cases rather than the tape itself, but it is still one amazing idea and very simple to do, it also doubles up as a secret hiding place!

Can you recycle VHS cassettes?

If like me you can never get enough USB ports for all your gadgets, this might well be the answer, by turning an old VHS video cassette into a USB hub you are not only recycling but also solving the issue of lack of USB ports as well!

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 much does a VHS of Aladdin cost?

One website notes that an original VHS copy of the Disney movie ALADDIN could make you up to $1,500 and a BEAUTY OF THE BEAST Black Diamond Edition could make you $5,000!

How to stop pill up in landfills?

To stop the pill-up in landfills, it is possible to recycle your VHS movies. One of the easiest ways to do so is to put your zip-code in Earth911.com to find the nearest center near you that takes VHS tapes.

Is VHS tape still made?

VHS tapes are no longer made, and in the future, we speculate that DVD’s and Blu-Rays will be a reminder of the things of old (but we’ll worry about that another day).