Recycle Video Tapes: Three Challenges Faced When Recycling Old Videotapes
It’s not always easy to find a place where you can safely recycle old video tapes. One of the few disposal services for old VHS tapes is the Alternative Community Training (ACT) group, which assists disabled persons with finding employment through special programs and services. Tropical Media is a similar service, and contacting them to recycle video tapes may even earn you some extra cash.
Common Challenges Faced by People Who Want to Recycle Video Tapes
- Finding a Recycling Service That Will Recycle Video Tapes. You may have to do a small amount of sleuthing to locate specialized recycling services that allow this specific type of scrap. Alternatively, you can call your waste management company or visit its website to find out if videotapes are accepted in your curbside recycle bins. You can also visit the Swaptree website to see if you can exchange your old tapes for something you’d enjoy today.
- Locating a Service and the Being Told You’ll Have to Pay. Be prepared to shell out some cash for a good company. Green Disk is one of the options available if you don’t mind paying to recycle video tapes. This collection service sells what they refer to as a “TechnoTrashCan” that is used to accumulate videotapes. They also have a “Pack-It” service that costs only a few dollars.
- Finding Creative Ways to Get Rid of This Outdated Technology. Besides sending the old tapes to the recycler, what else can you do with them? Some bookstores and thrift stores will accept donations of VHS tapes. You can also offer them on Freecycle.org and hope somebody else wants them. Finally, you can use the VHS tapes as a scarecrow: just cut the tape and work it loose, the fluttering black tape will frighten birds away.