I have two pairs of Transaudio 1012R speakers that I'd like to dispose of. The foams on the woofers have decayed and I think it's probably not worth the investment to have them refoamed (probably around $50 per woofer.) Any thoughts on this? Also, I don't think these should just be sent to the landfill. I was thinking of taking them to a waste disposal facility that deals with old TVs, microwaves, and computers. Good idea?
Sure, though you could revive the Transaudio's (can't believe there are any left in the free world) by installing a new woofer for far less money than you have guessed at. Parts Express or Madisound can suggest a replacement woofer that would fit that enclosure. Transaudio was Pacific Stereo's low end house brand, but they would be fine for a pair of remote speakers somewhere in the house.
or you could refoam them yourself for about $20 for the pair and a good half hour or so of your time. the refoam kits are also available at partsexpress
barring that, I've recycled a woofer by turning it into a metal parts bowl--I work on old bicycles and the little bearings always roll away. I dropped a metal bowl into the area of the woofer where the cone was, and the mega-magnet keeps bearings, bolts, etc. in place until I'm ready to use them (can magnetize some things though, so be careful if that would cause a problem)