VHS has been vanishing from your home movie collection and the rental store shelves for some time now, but there are still VHS tapes lurking about (especially if you haven’t switched to DVR just yet.) While it isn’t as easy as tossing them in the recycling bin, there is a very simple solution when you’re ready to get rid of your VHS stash. Just box them up and ship them out.

GreenDisk will take them off of your hands. GreenDisk is a company that takes your "technotrash," removes the data, recovers any useful components and then safely disposes of the rest. All you have to do is send it to them using a shipping label you print off at home (yes, you’ll be footing the bill for the postage - $6.95 for the first 20 lbs. - but they do the rest.) GreenDisk also accepts CDs, DVDs and other e-waste, and also provides services for businesses with larger volumes of "technotrash."

As for all of those recently released DVDs you’re amassing, think about downloading. Many movies these days are available for download (after a purchase of course - want to keep it legal). This way you get the flick you want without the actual DVD, packaging, and shipping that goes with it. You’ll also save space this way and won’t be stuck wondering what to do with all of your DVDs in a few years. (Check out EcoGeek’s answer to the question: Where do CDs go to die?)

Or if you want to go the crafty route, here are some step by step instructions on crocheting a small sling bag out of VHS tape.

Amy says: I’ve had several friends ask me about this recently, and have some VHS tapes to get rid of myself. I do know people that have used GreenDisk and rave about them, so I’ll send off a few and update this tip with how it went.

EcoGeek - Where do CDs Go to Die?

Grist - Ask Umbra