How to dispose of old toys depends on condition and materials. Clean, safe, working toys are easy to donate or pass on. Electronic toys with batteries or circuit boards belong in e-waste, with batteries removed and recycled separately. Most broken plastic toys are made of mixed plastics with metal parts, which curbside recycling programs usually reject, so they go in the trash. Stuffed animals and fabric toys can be donated if clean or sent to textile recycling in some areas.
Donate or pass on
| Recipient | What they often take |
|---|---|
| Thrift stores | Clean, complete toys and games |
| Children’s charities and shelters | New or like-new toys; ask first |
| Schools and daycares | Building toys, books, art supplies |
| Local free groups | Almost anything usable |
| Toy libraries | Durable educational toys |
Check for recalls before donating, especially for baby items. Many charities refuse used stuffed animals, car seats, and cribs for safety reasons. See retiring an expired car seat.
Electronic toys
Toys with lights, sounds, motors, or screens contain circuit boards and batteries.
- Remove batteries. Recycle rechargeable and button cell batteries at a battery drop-off. See turning in button cell batteries.
- Take the toy to e-waste recycling. See electronics kept out of the trash pit.
- Toys with built-in rechargeable batteries go to e-waste whole.
Button batteries are a serious swallowing hazard for children, so bag and store them safely until drop-off.
Plastic toys
Most curbside programs accept containers like bottles and tubs, not toys. Toys often mix several plastics with screws, springs, and paint. Some manufacturer take-back programs and mail-in services recycle specific brands. Large plastic play structures may be accepted as bulky rigid plastic at some drop-off centers.
Stuffed animals and fabric toys
Clean stuffed animals can go to some thrift stores, animal shelters (as pet toys), or textile recyclers. Worn ones go in the trash. See discarding worn-out textiles.
Wooden and metal toys
Solid wood toys can be donated or, if broken, put in trash. Metal toys like wagons and tricycles can go to scrap metal once plastic parts are removed.
Ride-on toys
Battery-powered ride-on cars have sealed lead-acid or lithium batteries. Remove the battery for recycling, then put the plastic body in bulky waste. Bikes and scooters can be donated or scrapped.
Board games and puzzles
Complete games can be donated. Incomplete ones can be split: cardboard to recycling, plastic pieces to trash or craft reuse.
How to dispose of old toys FAQ
Can plastic toys go in curbside recycling?
Usually not. Most programs accept containers only.
How do I recycle electronic toys?
Remove batteries, then take the toy to e-waste recycling.
Do thrift stores take used toys?
Many do if clean, safe, and complete. Check for recalls first.
What do I do with old stuffed animals?
Donate clean ones, offer them to animal shelters, or trash worn ones.
How do I dispose of a battery ride-on toy?
Recycle the battery, then put the body in bulky waste.
The bottom line
How to dispose of old toys: donate clean, safe, working toys; remove batteries and send electronic toys to e-waste; recycle metal parts; and trash broken mixed-plastic toys that recycling programs do not accept. Use the map to find e-waste and battery drop-offs near you.
Guides and tools
Electronics recycling guide · Battery recycling guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides