Can I Throw Away VHS Tapes?
Sure, you can throw away VHS tapes—but should you? If those tapes hold old home movies, birthdays, weddings, or your kids’ first steps, tossing them might mean losing those memories forever. And with landfills filling up and recycling centers rejecting VHS, even disposal isn’t easy.
But there’s a better option—convert VHS to digital.
Why Convert VHS to Digital?
VHS tapes, and the compact VHS-C variety, were never built to last. The magnetic tape inside degrades over time, especially if stored in garages, attics, or humid basements. Even if they still play, every playback risks further wear. Converting VHS to digital not only preserves those memories but gives them new life on your phone, computer, or in the cloud.
How to Convert VHS to Digital
There are two main options:
1. DIY VHS-to-Digital Setup
You’ll need:
- A working VCR, and possibly an adapter
- An analog-to-digital converter interface
- A computer with a graphics card and video capture software
2. Professional Conversion Service
Just send your tapes to Heirloom. Drop off at any UPS Store, and we’ll handle the rest. We even:
- Fix broken tapes
- Rescue moldy ones
- Digitize to the cloud, not outdated DVDs
- Offer store credit for blank tapes
Can VHS Tapes Be Recycled?
Most recycling centers can’t process VHS tapes. The plastic shell is recyclable, but the magnetic tape inside isn’t. If you throw them away, they’ll sit in a landfill for centuries.
Instead, give your memories a second life. Once digitized, then you can responsibly discard the empty tapes—or keep them as keepsakes.
The Bottom Line
Before you toss those tapes, think twice. What’s on them could be priceless—and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
🎁 Ready to convert VHS to digital?
Select a box to get started.
Pack whatever fits... we'll sort it all.
Simply pay unit digitizing prices.
