Do you have boxes full of old VHS tapes taking up space around your home? Well, it’s not a good idea to just throw them away, which is why we put together this guide on how to dispose of old VHS tapes properly.

With over 20 years of experience not only digitizing videotapes, but splicing, cleaning, and repairing them, Capture knows the industry better than anyone. With our guide, you’ll clear up more storage space in the most environmentally friendly way possible!

Keep reading to learn why you shouldn’t just throw away VHS tapes, how to dispose of them properly, where to recycle VHS tapes near you, and even how to repurpose or donate your old analog tapes.

Jump to:

Why Can't You Just Throw Away VHS Tapes?
Quick Answers: Your VHS Disposal Questions Answered
Recycling VHS Tapes
Donating Old VHS Tapes
Repurposing VHS Tapes
How to Destroy VHS Tapes
Key Takeaways: VHS Recycling

 

Why Can't You Just Throw Away VHS Tapes?

There are tons of VHS tapes still around since, after the VHS vs Beta format war, VHS videotapes dominated the market for years. However, since they don’t make VCRs anymore, you might want to get rid of your old analog tapes, but you shouldn’t just throw them into the trash. 

Wondering how to dispose of VHS tapes? Start with recycling or repurposing.

Did you know that VHS tapes don't last forever? The magnetic tape inside degrades over time — another reason to act sooner rather than later.

The outer plastic case of videotapes is technically recyclable because it’s made from #5 plastic, or polypropylene. Unfortunately, some of the inner workings are made with toxic metals and other harmful substances. 

VHS tapes work by storing data on magnetic tape made from a phthalate form of plastic called polyethylene, or Mylar. This can release toxic metals like chromium into landfills and eventually into the environment. VHS tapes are therefore considered electronic waste, or e-waste.

The options for disposing of VHS tapes safely are recycling, donating, repurposing, and — if necessary — destroying them properly. Read on to learn the steps for each!

Quick Answers: Your VHS Disposal Questions Answered
Does Best Buy recycle VHS tapes?

No. Best Buy does not accept VHS tapes in their electronics recycling program. However, some Best Buy locations do accept VCR players. Always call your local store ahead of time to confirm what they currently accept, as policies vary by location.

Does Staples recycle VHS tapes?

Yes, at select locations. Staples accepts VHS tapes as part of their free in-store recycling program. Customers can drop off up to 7 items per visit at no charge. Call your local Staples to confirm participation before making the trip.

Can you put VHS tapes in the recycling bin?

No. Standard curbside recycling bins do not accept VHS tapes. Although the plastic shell is made from recyclable #5 polypropylene, the magnetic tape inside contains toxic metals like chromium that require specialized e-waste handling. Use a dedicated e-waste drop-off program instead.

Where can I recycle VHS tapes near me?

Your best options are: Staples (select locations, free, up to 7 items), local e-waste collection events (search Earth911.com with your ZIP code), or mail-in programs like GreenDisk or TerraCycle. See the full recycling section below for details and pricing.

How do you destroy VHS tapes?

If you need to destroy VHS tapes — for privacy or security reasons — see our dedicated section below on safe destruction methods.

Recycling VHS Tapes

Millions of VHS tapes and outdated media players are still sitting in closets, basements, and garages, but simply tossing them in the trash isn't the answer. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly to get rid of old VHS tapes responsibly.

You can recycle VHS tapes as well as:

VCR players
Hi8 tape players
Betamax machines
Audio cassette players

You might be able to find a local recycling center that accepts these types of e-waste, but options can be limited. If you’ve ever searched “where to recycle VHS tapes near me” and felt frustrated by the lack of results, don’t worry, we’ve gathered the most reliable solutions for you.

Mail-in services make VHS recycling easy from home.
Mail-In Recycling Programs

If you're wondering where to dispose of VHS tapes safely and sustainably, there are convenient mail-in services available across the country.

GreenDisk offers recycling bins designed specifically for electronics recycling that you can fill with videotapes, VHS players, laptops, CDs, cell phones, vintage camcorders, and other electronics. The most common option is a $120 prepaid bin for up to 100 pounds of e-waste.

TerraCycle also offers Zero Waste Boxes for VHS tapes and cassettes, starting at around $152. These boxes include prepaid shipping and are designed to handle hard-to-recycle items.

Note: TerraCycle boxes do not accept VHS players or other large electronics.

Local Drop-Off Options

Best Buy: Best Buy does NOT accept VHS tapes in their recycling program. However, some locations do accept VCR players and other electronics. Policies vary by store, so always call ahead to confirm what your local Best Buy will take.

Staples: Yes — Staples accepts VHS tapes at select locations as part of their free in-store recycling program. Customers can drop off up to 7 items per visit at no charge. Call your local store to check participation before you go.

Many cities and counties also host free e-waste collection events throughout the year that often accept VHS tapes, VCRs, and other outdated electronics. To find events near you, search your ZIP code on Earth911.com or RecycleNation.com.

Online Recycling Directories

Earth911.com maintains one of the most extensive recycling databases in North America. Type in "VHS tapes" and your ZIP code to find local options.

RecycleNation.com lets you compare mail-in vs. drop-off services in your area. It’s especially useful if you're looking to donate VHS tapes without spending any money.

If these aren’t viable options for you, no worries! You can also think about other methods for how to dispose of old VHS tapes, like reuse, donating, or repurposing.

Donating Old VHS Tapes

If you can't find a recycling center near you, donating old VHS tapes might be the best option. Before you do, it's worth checking whether your tapes have any value — some VHS tapes are worth surprisingly good money, especially limited editions and cult classics.

If you have Disney VHS tapes, those in particular can fetch real money from collectors before you consider giving them away.

Check Goodwill or other thrift stores to see if they sell VHS tapes — even if they don't, some locations have easy e-waste recycling options. Antique and vintage shops that sell vinyl records, 8-track tapes, old books, or other vintage technology might even pay you for your tapes.

You can also check the Freecycle Network, a nonprofit community of people who give and share items locally. Finally, try sites like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to sell or give away your VHS tapes and equipment — including a VCR for sale or an old video camera for trade.

Donate your tapes to collectors, thrift stores, or local groups.

You can also check the Freecycle Network, a nonprofit community of people who give stuff away and share it with each other. You might be able to get rid of your hazardous waste while also finding furniture, electronics, purses, or other materials that other people in your area are getting rid of!

Finally, you can sell or give away your old electronics online. Try sites like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to give away or sell your VHS tapes. You can also post your VHS equipment, like a VCR for sale or an old video camera for trade.

Repurposing VHS Tapes

If recycling and donating aren't viable options, repurposing is a creative way to keep VHS tapes out of the landfill. There are tons of fun DIY projects — lamps, woven belts, mosaics, jewelry, picture frames, plant hangers, jump ropes, notebook covers, wall hangings, and more.

Even if you only repurpose the magnetic tape itself, you may be able to recycle the plastic shell separately without needing a specialized e-waste service. Check Pinterest for more ideas on what to do with old VHS tapes.

And don't forget the original use: watching the content. If you're not sure how to watch old video camera tapes, you can get an old VCR or camcorder, or use a digitizing service like Capture to preserve the content in digital format.

Convert your VHS tapes to digital and keep the memories forever.
How to Destroy VHS Tapes

Sometimes recycling, donating, or repurposing isn't the right choice — particularly if your VHS tapes contain sensitive personal footage, confidential recordings, or private content you need to permanently erase. Here's how to destroy VHS tapes safely and responsibly.

Step 1: Digitize First (Recommended)

Before destroying any tape, consider whether it contains footage you'd want to keep. A professional digitization service like Capture can transfer your VHS to digital in days — giving you a permanent digital backup before the tape is gone for good. 

Step 2: Destroy the Magnetic Tape

The magnetic tape inside the cassette is what holds the recorded data. To destroy it:

Pull the tape out of the cassette shell by hand or with a pencil.
Cut the tape into small strips with scissors — this physically destroys the recorded data and makes it unrecoverable.
Alternatively, run a strong magnet back and forth across the tape surface to demagnetize and erase the content (degaussing).
Step 3: Dispose of the Pieces Properly

Even after destroying the content, the materials still shouldn't go in the regular trash. The cut tape strips and plastic shell still contain the same toxic materials described above. Take the destroyed pieces to an e-waste drop-off (Staples, a local e-waste event, or a mail-in service like GreenDisk) for proper disposal.

Do you have boxes full of old VHS tapes taking up space around your home? Well, it’s not a good idea to just throw them away, which is why we put together this guide on how to dispose of old VHS tapes properly.

With over 20 years of experience not only digitizing videotapes, but splicing, cleaning, and repairing them, Capture knows the industry better than anyone. With our guide, you’ll clear up more storage space in the most environmentally friendly way possible!

Keep reading to learn why you shouldn’t just throw away VHS tapes, how to dispose of them properly, where to recycle VHS tapes near you, and even how to repurpose or donate your old analog tapes.

Jump to:

• Why Can't You Just Throw Away VHS Tapes?
• Quick Answers: Your VHS Disposal Questions Answered
• Recycling VHS Tapes
• Donating Old VHS Tapes
• Repurposing VHS Tapes
• How to Destroy VHS Tapes
• Key Takeaways: VHS Recycling

 

Why Can't You Just Throw Away VHS Tapes?

There are tons of VHS tapes still around since, after the VHS vs Beta format war, VHS videotapes dominated the market for years. However, since they don’t make VCRs anymore, you might want to get rid of your old analog tapes, but you shouldn’t just throw them into the trash. 

Did you know that VHS tapes don't last forever? The magnetic tape inside degrades over time — another reason to act sooner rather than later.

The outer plastic case of videotapes is technically recyclable because it’s made from #5 plastic, or polypropylene. Unfortunately, some of the inner workings are made with toxic metals and other harmful substances. 

VHS tapes work by storing data on magnetic tape made from a phthalate form of plastic called polyethylene, or Mylar. This can release toxic metals like chromium into landfills and eventually into the environment. VHS tapes are therefore considered electronic waste, or e-waste.

The options for disposing of VHS tapes safely are recycling, donating, repurposing, and — if necessary — destroying them properly. Read on to learn the steps for each!

Quick Answers: Your VHS Disposal Questions Answered

Does Best Buy recycle VHS tapes?

No. Best Buy does not accept VHS tapes in their electronics recycling program. However, some Best Buy locations do accept VCR players. Always call your local store ahead of time to confirm what they currently accept, as policies vary by location.

Does Staples recycle VHS tapes?

Yes, at select locations. Staples accepts VHS tapes as part of their free in-store recycling program. Customers can drop off up to 7 items per visit at no charge. Call your local Staples to confirm participation before making the trip.

Can you put VHS tapes in the recycling bin?

No. Standard curbside recycling bins do not accept VHS tapes. Although the plastic shell is made from recyclable #5 polypropylene, the magnetic tape inside contains toxic metals like chromium that require specialized e-waste handling. Use a dedicated e-waste drop-off program instead.

Where can I recycle VHS tapes near me?

Your best options are: Staples (select locations, free, up to 7 items), local e-waste collection events (search Earth911.com with your ZIP code), or mail-in programs like GreenDisk or TerraCycle. See the full recycling section below for details and pricing.

How do you destroy VHS tapes?

If you need to destroy VHS tapes — for privacy or security reasons — see our dedicated section below on safe destruction methods.

Recycling VHS Tapes

Millions of VHS tapes and outdated media players are still sitting in closets, basements, and garages, but simply tossing them in the trash isn't the answer. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly to get rid of old VHS tapes responsibly.

You can recycle VHS tapes as well as:

• VCR players
• Hi8 tape players
• Betamax machines
• Audio cassette players

You might be able to find a local recycling center that accepts these types of e-waste, but options can be limited. If you’ve ever searched “where to recycle VHS tapes near me” and felt frustrated by the lack of results, don’t worry, we’ve gathered the most reliable solutions for you.

Mail-In Recycling Programs

If you're wondering where to dispose of VHS tapes safely and sustainably, there are convenient mail-in services available across the country.

GreenDisk offers recycling bins designed specifically for electronics recycling that you can fill with videotapes, VHS players, laptops, CDs, cell phones, vintage camcorders, and other electronics. The most common option is a $120 prepaid bin for up to 100 pounds of e-waste.

TerraCycle also offers Zero Waste Boxes for VHS tapes and cassettes, starting at around $152. These boxes include prepaid shipping and are designed to handle hard-to-recycle items.

Note: TerraCycle boxes do not accept VHS players or other large electronics.

Local Drop-Off Options

Best Buy: Best Buy does NOT accept VHS tapes in their recycling program. However, some locations do accept VCR players and other electronics. Policies vary by store, so always call ahead to confirm what your local Best Buy will take.

Staples: Yes — Staples accepts VHS tapes at select locations as part of their free in-store recycling program. Customers can drop off up to 7 items per visit at no charge. Call your local store to check participation before you go.

Many cities and counties also host free e-waste collection events throughout the year that often accept VHS tapes, VCRs, and other outdated electronics. To find events near you, search your ZIP code on Earth911.com or RecycleNation.com.

Online Recycling Directories

Earth911.com maintains one of the most extensive recycling databases in North America. Type in "VHS tapes" and your ZIP code to find local options.

RecycleNation.com lets you compare mail-in vs. drop-off services in your area. It’s especially useful if you're looking to donate VHS tapes without spending any money.

If these aren’t viable options for you, no worries! You can also think about other methods for how to dispose of old VHS tapes, like reuse, donating, or repurposing.

Donating Old VHS Tapes

If you can't find a recycling center near you, donating old VHS tapes might be the best option. Before you do, it's worth checking whether your tapes have any value — some VHS tapes are worth surprisingly good money, especially limited editions and cult classics.

If you have Disney VHS tapes, those in particular can fetch real money from collectors before you consider giving them away.

Check Goodwill or other thrift stores to see if they sell VHS tapes — even if they don't, some locations have easy e-waste recycling options. Antique and vintage shops that sell vinyl records, 8-track tapes, old books, or other vintage technology might even pay you for your tapes.

You can also check the Freecycle Network, a nonprofit community of people who give and share items locally. Finally, try sites like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to sell or give away your VHS tapes and equipment — including a VCR for sale or an old video camera for trade.

You can also check the Freecycle Network, a nonprofit community of people who give stuff away and share it with each other. You might be able to get rid of your hazardous waste while also finding furniture, electronics, purses, or other materials that other people in your area are getting rid of!

Finally, you can sell or give away your old electronics online. Try sites like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to give away or sell your VHS tapes. You can also post your VHS equipment, like a VCR for sale or an old video camera for trade.

Repurposing VHS Tapes

If recycling and donating aren't viable options, repurposing is a creative way to keep VHS tapes out of the landfill. There are tons of fun DIY projects — lamps, woven belts, mosaics, jewelry, picture frames, plant hangers, jump ropes, notebook covers, wall hangings, and more.

Even if you only repurpose the magnetic tape itself, you may be able to recycle the plastic shell separately without needing a specialized e-waste service. Check Pinterest for more ideas on what to do with old VHS tapes.

And don't forget the original use: watching the content. If you're not sure how to watch old video camera tapes, you can get an old VCR or camcorder, or use a digitizing service like Capture to preserve the content in digital format.

How to Destroy VHS Tapes

Sometimes recycling, donating, or repurposing isn't the right choice — particularly if your VHS tapes contain sensitive personal footage, confidential recordings, or private content you need to permanently erase. Here's how to destroy VHS tapes safely and responsibly.

Step 1: Digitize First (Recommended)

Before destroying any tape, consider whether it contains footage you'd want to keep. A professional digitization service like Capture can transfer your VHS to digital in days — giving you a permanent digital backup before the tape is gone for good. 

Step 2: Destroy the Magnetic Tape

The magnetic tape inside the cassette is what holds the recorded data. To destroy it:

• Pull the tape out of the cassette shell by hand or with a pencil.
• Cut the tape into small strips with scissors — this physically destroys the recorded data and makes it unrecoverable.
• Alternatively, run a strong magnet back and forth across the tape surface to demagnetize and erase the content (degaussing).

Step 3: Dispose of the Pieces Properly

Even after destroying the content, the materials still shouldn't go in the regular trash. The cut tape strips and plastic shell still contain the same toxic materials described above. Take the destroyed pieces to an e-waste drop-off (Staples, a local e-waste event, or a mail-in service like GreenDisk) for proper disposal.

Important: Do not burn VHS tapes. Burning releases toxic fumes from the polyethylene magnetic tape and plastic shell, which are harmful to people and the environment.

Key Takeaways: VHS Recycling

Now that you know how to dispose of old VHS tapes, you can share this old VHS tape disposal guide with loved ones to support environmentally friendly recycling, reuse, and donations. To summarize your options:

• Recycle with a local or online e-waste program (Staples, GreenDisk, TerraCycle, Earth911)
• Donate to local thrift shops, collectors, or via Freecycle/eBay/Facebook Marketplace
• Repurpose creatively — lamps, art, jewelry, and more (15 ideas here)
• Destroy safely — cut the tape, degauss it, then take the pieces to e-waste disposal
  

Regardless of what option you choose, we recommend preserving the memories contained in your old tapes first.  Capture offers professional VHS to digital transfer services — so your most precious home videos are protected before the tape degrades for good.

Important: Do not burn VHS tapes. Burning releases toxic fumes from the polyethylene magnetic tape and plastic shell, which are harmful to people and the environment.

Key Takeaways: VHS Recycling

Now that you know how to dispose of old VHS tapes, you can share this old VHS tape disposal guide with loved ones to support environmentally friendly recycling, reuse, and donations. To summarize your options:

Recycle with a local or online e-waste program (Staples, GreenDisk, TerraCycle, Earth911)
Donate to local thrift shops, collectors, or via Freecycle/eBay/Facebook Marketplace
Repurpose creatively — lamps, art, jewelry, and more (15 ideas here)
Destroy safely — cut the tape, degauss it, then take the pieces to e-waste disposal

Regardless of what option you choose, we recommend preserving the memories contained in your old tapes first.  Capture offers professional VHS to digital transfer services — so your most precious home videos are protected before the tape degrades for good.