VHS Tapes Are NOT Recyclable in Sioux Falls Bins — Here’s What to Do Instead

Mar 22, 2025 | Recycling Explained

If you still have a stack of old VHS or cassette tapes tucked away in your basement, you’re not alone. While they once held family memories and favorite movies, these tapes have now been replaced by DVDs, streaming services, and digital storage. Unfortunately, VHS and cassette tapes are not recyclable in Sioux Falls’ mixed recycling bins—and tossing them in can actually cause serious problems.

Why VHS Tapes Don’t Belong in the Recycling Bin

VHS and cassette tapes are made with long, stringy tape ribbon inside a hard plastic shell. In the recycling process, this ribbon can:

  • Tangle and wrap around sorting equipment
  • Cause shutdowns and costly repairs
  • Contaminate otherwise good recyclable materials

Even one tape in the bin can jam machinery, causing delays and hazards for workers. That’s why these “stringy items” are a big no-no in Sioux Falls recycling.

Why Throwing VHS Tapes in the Trash Isn’t the Best Option

It might seem easier to just toss them in the garbage, but VHS tapes are made with plastic that will never biodegrade. The ribbon is coated with iron oxide and other metals, which can be harmful to the environment if they end up in the landfill. Over time, these materials may leach into soil and groundwater.

Because of this, VHS tapes are considered electronic waste (e-waste)—and should be handled more carefully than regular trash.

How to Dispose of VHS Tapes in Sioux Falls

While VHS tape recycling options are limited, there are a few responsible ways to get rid of them:

  1. Bring them to SEAM (Fee Applies): Sioux Falls’ local electronics recycler, SEAM, accepts VHS and cassette tapes for a small per-pound processing fee.
  2. Check for Reuse Opportunities: Some thrift stores, libraries, or community groups may still accept them—especially if they are in good condition.
  3. Sell or Donate Collectible Titles: Certain rare movies or shows on VHS can still have value to collectors. Try listing them on eBay or a local buy/sell group.

The Bottom Line

VHS and cassette tapes cannot go in Sioux Falls recycling bins. Recycling facilities aren’t equipped to process them, and throwing them in the garbage can harm the environment. Instead, drop them off at a certified electronics recycler like SEAM, look for reuse options, and use the BINfluencer app to keep all your recycling decisions easy.

Thank you for helping keep Sioux Falls recycling streams clean and our community’s environment safe!