How to dispose of golf clubs usually does not involve the trash at all. Used clubs have a healthy resale and donation market, many golf retailers offer trade-in credit, and the metal in worn-out clubs can go to a scrap yard. Only the grips, graphite shafts, and bags typically end up as waste.
Trade-in and resale
- Golf retailers and some sporting goods stores give trade-in credit for recent, name-brand clubs.
- Online marketplaces work well for drivers, putters, and full sets.
- Golf courses and pro shops sometimes buy or consign used clubs.
Recent drivers and putters hold value best. Older irons and starter sets often bring little but still find buyers.
Donation options
- Youth golf programs and school teams.
- Thrift stores, which commonly accept clubs and bags.
- Adaptive golf programs for veterans and people with disabilities.
- Community driving ranges that keep loaner sets.
Clean the clubs and include headcovers or a bag if you have them.
Scrapping worn-out clubs
| Part | Material | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Iron heads | Usually stainless or carbon steel | Scrap metal |
| Driver and wood heads | Often titanium, sometimes steel | Scrap metal; titanium may be separated |
| Steel shafts | Steel | Scrap metal |
| Graphite shafts | Carbon fiber composite | Trash |
| Grips | Rubber | Trash |
| Persimmon woods | Wood | Trash, or keep as vintage decor |
Cut graphite shafts off at the hosel with a hacksaw if your scrap yard wants only metal. Wear gloves, since graphite can splinter.
Golf bags and accessories
Bags in usable condition can be donated. Worn bags go in the trash. Golf balls can go to driving ranges, youth programs, or resale; old golf carts and pull carts have aluminum or steel frames for scrap. Electric carts contain batteries that need separate recycling.
Repurposing
Old clubs become garden stakes, coat hooks, walking sticks, or bar decor. Vintage clubs and hickory shafts can interest collectors.
Getting a set ready to pass on
A little cleanup helps clubs sell or get accepted. Scrub grooves with warm soapy water and a soft brush, dry the heads to prevent rust, and wipe down shafts. Check for loose heads, cracked grips, or bent shafts. Regripping costs relatively little at a golf shop and can make an older set much more appealing to a new player. Sort a mixed pile into right-handed and left-handed clubs, since left-handed clubs are scarcer and often move quickly.
Clearing out a garage full of golf gear
Estate and garage cleanouts often turn up several bags, loose clubs, range balls, shoes, and a pull cart. Group items by destination before you load the car: a donation box for usable gear, a scrap bin for bare metal heads and steel shafts, and a trash bag for grips, broken graphite, and worn-out shoes. One trip per destination saves time and keeps usable gear out of the landfill.
How to dispose of golf clubs FAQ
Where can I donate used golf clubs?
Youth golf programs, school teams, thrift stores, and adaptive golf programs often accept them.
Do golf stores take old clubs?
Many golf retailers offer trade-in credit for recent, name-brand clubs.
Can golf clubs be recycled?
Metal heads and steel shafts are accepted at scrap yards. Graphite shafts and grips are usually trash.
Are old golf clubs worth anything?
Recent drivers and putters can be worth trade-in credit; older sets often sell for little but still find buyers.
What do I do with graphite golf shafts?
Graphite composite is generally not recyclable locally, so it goes in the trash.
The bottom line
How to dispose of golf clubs: trade in or sell newer clubs, donate usable sets, and scrap worn clubs by sending steel and titanium heads and steel shafts to a scrap yard. Graphite shafts and grips go in the trash.
Guides and tools
Furniture disposal guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides