What to Do with Old VHS Tapes: The Best Ways to Save, Sell, and Dispose of Them

You know that moment when you're cleaning out a closet and stumble upon a treasure trove from your past? A box overflowing with old VHS tapes—the kind filled with birthday parties, family vacations, and maybe a few of your favorite '90s cartoons. For a moment, nostalgia takes over, but it's quickly replaced by a practical question: what do you do with old vhs tapes that are just collecting dust? Tossing them isn't an option for sentimental reasons, and the thought of simply throwing them away feels wrong. You might be wondering, how to get rid of vhs tapes in a way that's both responsible and makes sense for your collection. Well, you've come to the right place. This guide will explore all your options, whether you want to preserve those cherished memories, give your collection a new home, or find the proper way to recycle them.

What to Do with Old VHS Tapes

Option 1: Digitize Your Tapes

If those dusty old video tapes are filled with priceless memories—like childhood home videos or your family's history—then digitizing them is the best solution. It's the most reliable way to preserve the footage before the magnetic tape degrades and the quality is lost forever. You essentially have two choices to get the job done.

Learn how to digitize your VHS tapes >>

1. The DIY Method: Do-It-Yourself

This option is perfect for those who are tech-savvy and want to save money. The process requires a working VCR, a digital converter (often a small box or USB stick), and a computer. You connect the VCR to the converter, the converter to your computer, and play the tape. Your computer's software will record the video and convert it into a digital file you can save, edit, and share. Just be prepared for a time-consuming process, as you'll have to watch and record each tape in real-time.

2. The Professional Method: Let the Experts Handle It

For a completely hassle-free experience, consider using a professional digitizing service. You simply box up your old VHS tapes and mail them to the company. They will handle the entire conversion process for you, returning your tapes along with a new hard drive, USB, or DVD containing your digital files. While this is the more expensive option, it guarantees quality results and saves you countless hours of work.

Option 2: Sell or Donate Them

Not every one of your old VHS tapes is a precious family video. For your collection of commercial movies, selling or donating them can be a great way to give them a second life and avoid them ending up in a landfill.

1. Selling Your Tapes

The truth is, most VHS tapes won't earn you a lot of money, but some rare finds or special collector's editions can still have value. Look up your tapes on sites like eBay to see what they're selling for, as some cult classics, specific Disney "Black Diamond" editions, or sealed tapes can be worth a small amount. For larger collections, you can try local platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

2. Donating Your Tapes

If your tapes have no market value or you'd prefer to simply clear them out, donating is an excellent choice. This is where many people wonder, "does anyone take vhs tapes?" The answer is yes, some places do. Consider dropping them off at a local thrift store like Goodwill or Salvation Army. You can also call your local library or a nursing home to see if they would accept your old VHS movies for their residents to watch. Just be sure to always call ahead to confirm their donation policies.

Option 3: Repurpose Them into Crafts

If you have a collection of old VHS tapes that you can't sell or don't want to digitize, don't just discard them! The cases, and even the tape inside, can be a great material for a variety of unique and creative DIY projects. It's a fun and eco-friendly way to give them a brand-new purpose. Here are a few popular ideas for what to do with vhs tapes to get your creative juices flowing:

• Turn them into storage boxes: The rigid plastic cases are perfect for holding small items like pens, art supplies, or tech accessories. You can decorate them with paint or stickers to match your style.
• Create purses or wallets: With a little effort, the cases can be converted into unique purses or clutches. Unspooling the magnetic tape and weaving it into a textile is another way to make a one-of-a-kind bag.
• Make them into furniture: For a more ambitious project, you can stack tapes and use them as a base for a small table or lamp.
• Use the tape for art: The long, thin magnetic tape can be used as a material for knitting, weaving, or creating intricate mixed-media art pieces.
• Retro Bookends: Securely glue one or two tapes to an old CD or a small piece of wood to create a sturdy, vintage-themed bookend. This is an easy way to use both the tapes and their iconic covers to add a touch of nostalgia to your bookshelf.
• Unique Planters: The outer shell of a VHS tape can be converted into a quirky planter for succulents or other small plants. You'll need to carefully open the case and line it with plastic to make it watertight, but the result is a one-of-a-kind home for a houseplant.
• Artistic Wall Decor: Remove the magnetic tape from the cassette and use it as a material for abstract art. You can arrange it in interesting patterns on a canvas or a framed board, or even wind it around a lampshade to create a unique light filter.
• DIY Birdhouse: For a truly ambitious project, you can deconstruct the tapes and reassemble the parts to create a small birdhouse. You can even use the reels to create a perch for birds to stand on.

Option 4: Recycle Them Properly

If your old VHS tapes have no sentimental or monetary value, you might be tempted to just throw them in your recycling bin. However, this is a mistake. VHS tapes are considered electronic waste and cannot be recycled through standard curbside programs. They are made of a mix of plastic casing and magnetic tape containing metal oxides, which requires a specialized recycling process. So, when it comes to how to dispose of vhs tapes, you have a few environmentally friendly options.

• Look for a Specialized Recycling Service: There are specific companies that specialize in recycling magnetic media. They often offer mail-in programs where you can ship your old tapes to them for a fee. A quick online search for "VHS tape recycling services" can help you find a company that serves your area.
• Find a Local E-Waste Event: Many cities and towns host regular electronic waste (e-waste) collection events. These events are specifically designed for the proper disposal of vhs tapes and other items like old computers, printers, and batteries. Check your local municipality's website for an event schedule.
• Search for E-Waste Drop-Off Locations: Some larger retailers or local recycling centers have permanent drop-off points for e-waste. This is a convenient option if you want to get rid of your tapes on your own schedule. Be sure to call ahead to confirm that they accept VHS tapes, as some locations have restrictions.