How to Recycle VHS Tapes and Other Electronics

Our society is becoming increasingly more eco-conscious.  Instead of routinely throwing reusable items and things that we are replacing with “newer and better models” – into the trash, many Americans are now sending them to be recycled and reused.  However, even though their intentions are good, they are finding that some items are proving to be more difficult to recycle than others.

For example, many of us have switched from watching movies on VHS to either using DVDs or having movies streamed directly to our TVs and computers.  Libraries are no longer accepting VHS tape donations and the metal that’s in the tapes makes it impossible for many recycling places to process the tapes.  Luckily there are still a few places that want old VHS tapes and there are an increasing number of companies that are offering to do VHS tape recycling.

Donate Your VHS Tapes

There are still a number of places that will appreciate it if you donate your old VHS tapes to them.  Homeless shelters, nursing homes, rehab centers and pediatric hospitals are prime examples.  Nonetheless, it’s important that you call these places before you go there in order to make sure that they will accept them.

Recycle VHS Tapes and Other Electronics

Curbside recycling companies generally don’t take things such as VHS tapes, televisions and other electronics.  But, there are some companies that do.

One alternative is using companies such as EcoDisk or GreenDisk.  All you have to do is mail the items that you want to recycle to them and they will take care of the rest.  They do both large and small amounts, so even if you have only one or two items you can still use these companies.

Alternatively, you can drop the items off yourself at recycling stations that accept them.  In order to find places close to where you live, head over to www.1800recycling.com.  You can put in your zip code or select the city in which you live on the website.  After you’ve set your location you then choose a category, such as “Electronics.”  You’ll be taken to a screen that has a list of different types of materials listed on the right side of the page.  In our example you would check the box next to “VHS Cassette Tapes.”

Doing this will take you to another page that lists the names of the companies that accept the material(s) that you want to recycle along with how far they are away from your area code or city.  If you want to know exactly how far they are away from your home you can click on their name to get their exact address and the distance from your area.

Freecycle Your VHS Tapes

Another unique way to recycle VHS tapes and other useful things is by getting involved in the freecycle community.  Frecycling is sort of a cross between recycling and donating things.  The idea is that you can recycle what you no longer need by giving the stuff away to folks who will use them and want them in exchange for things that they no longer want.  You can post your items on the free section of Craigslist in your area or you can go onto www.Freecycle.org.  The idea behind it is that the people who want your items will get in touch with you in order to make arrangements for a switch.

Recycling useable materials doesn’t have to be a hassle and these ideas can make it as easy as pie.  And when you recycle you will be doing your part to help save our world.

Author Bio:

Beth McDonald is a stay-at-home mom who is concerned about environmental issues in the America.  In her spare time she does freelance writing and is often is a guest blogger about a variety of topics including Radius maps.