Hi Joseph,
From what I can tell after asking around and doing some online research, there doesn't seem to be a preservation-specific resource about disposal of the types of materials you describe. Learning your local waste disposal regulations and following them is likely the most straightforward option, and (sadly) probably means putting them in the trash. If you have the time and budget, you can look into specialized recycling programs; the New York State Recyclopedia may have useful suggestions. Web search results for "reel to reel audio tape disposal" also indicate that components of these materials could be salvaged and recycled, again depending on how much time etc you can give to the project.
One important caveat is to confirm that you are dealing with safety (i.e. cellulose acetate) film, as opposed to cellulose nitrate film, which does need to be handled according to specific safety protocols. The Association of Moving Image Archivists' Identifying and Handling Nitrate Film provides information on distinguishing between the two. The Library of Congress Care, Handling, and Storage of Motion Picture Film page is also a great general resource with useful links.
Please let me know if you have more questions.
Rebecca
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Rebecca Smyrl
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
Assistant Conservator for Special Collections
UNC Chapel Hill Libraries
Chapel Hill NC
(919) 962-4250
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-01-2024 12:17
From: Joseph Coen
Subject: Disposition of analog media
Sounds good, thanks!
Joseph Coen, C. A.
Archivist
R. C. Diocese of Brooklyn
310 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn NY 11215
Jcoen@diobrook.org
718-965-7300 ext. 1001
Original Message:
Sent: 3/1/2024 11:03:00 AM
From: Rebecca Smyrl
Subject: RE: Disposition of analog media
Hi Joseph,
Thanks for this question. Let me do a little research and I'll get back to you soon.
Rebecca
------------------------------
Rebecca Smyrl
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
Assistant Conservator for Special Collections
UNC Chapel Hill Libraries
Chapel Hill NC
(919) 962-4250
Original Message:
Sent: 02-29-2024 11:46
From: Joseph Coen
Subject: Disposition of analog media
I want to ask for recommendations for safe and environmentally responsible ways to dispose of analog media including audio and video cassettes, reel to reel audio tape and safety film. I don't assume that they can or should just be thrown out.
Joseph W. Coen, C. A.
Archivist
Office of the Archivist
R. C. Diocese of Brooklyn
310 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn NY 11215
jcoen@diobrook.org