How to Recycle VHS Tapes

Back in the 80's and early 90's, everyone had VHS tapes, and lots of them. They were bulky, they were a little time consuming to fast forward, and the quality wasn't the best, but at the time, they were cutting edge technology that the world embraced. The problem is it's hard to recycle them, but it can be done. So, how do you recycle VHS tapes? Read on to find out how.

Recycling is always a good option for the environment, but even better is reusing. Every time you recycle something, it will take up extra energy to turn it into something else. If you reuse it, that means there's less energy required, perhaps only a little elbow grease.

How Can You Reuse Your Old VHS Tapes?

VHS tapes can be reused in a number of ways. First off, they can be reused by local shelters, charities, and thrift stores. While they may not be worth a single cent, they may still have value to people who need some form of entertainment (is entertainment ever really obsolete?).

There are also a few creative ways you can reuse your VHS tapes.

• Sell them in a giant lot on Ebay. Use UPS Ground as the cheapest form of shipping, and the most eco friendly option.
• You can make yarn out of VHS tapes using this tutorial.
• Make your own VHS tape designer bag with this other pictorial page.
  
• In this article, commenters have come up with ways to reuse VHS cases.
• Reuse VHS tapes into items like a fly swatter, insulation, and serving dish using this page.
  
• Donate them.
  

You can also recycle your VHS tapes at a number of different online websites which will take the casettes off of your hands for you. Here are some those websites:

• This article on Womans Day tells the story of ACT, which gives disabled people jobs by letting them sell salable VHS tapes, and recycling the plastic pieces of the rest of the casettes. You can send them to the address on their how to recycle VHS tapes article here.
• Freecycle may have other people interested in those old VHS casettes. At least your home will be free of the old clutter.
• Craigslist and Kijiji offer free online ads. Have someone take them off of your hands for you by placing an ad for the entire lot of them.
  

• Recycle Your Computer
• What are the Most Important Things to Recycle?
• Using Less Plastic with Reusable Cups
• 50 Things You Can Recycle
• 50 Things You Can Reuse
• How to Reuse Plastic Bags
  
• 7 Things You Should Start Recycling Today
• Stop by A Million Ways to Go Green for more green advice!
  

Find truly organic, eco friendly products, green gift ideas, reusables, and a full line of organic body care at TheGreenerEarth.com today!