Toy Recycling & Reuse Guide

Toy Recycling: What to Do With Old Toys

Wondering what to do with old toys? The ReCollective accepts functional used toys during designated ReCo Pick collections so they can be reused, repurposed, or recycled through community partners.

Used toys accepted by The ReCollective

Can You Recycle Old Toys?

Yes, but the best option depends on the toy. The ReCollective accepts functional used toys that can be reused, repurposed, or recycled through community partners.

For pickup, place approved toys in your own bag smaller than 30 gallons and set the bag beside your black waterproof bag. Do not put toys in the ReCo Pick bag.

What to include

What Used Toys Does The ReCollective Accept?

Include functional toys that are complete enough to be reused or repurposed.

Accepted

  • Building and construction toys
  • Dolls and plush toys
  • Educational and learning toys
  • Outdoor and active toys
  • Pretend play and role-playing toys
  • Puzzles and games
  • Electronic and tech toys

Do Not Include

  • Broken toys
  • Toys with missing parts that make them non-functional
How to set it out

Use Your Own Bag, Smaller Than 30 Gallons

Place approved toys in a separate bag smaller than 30 gallons and set it beside your black waterproof bag. Do not put toys in the ReCo Pick bag.

The ReCollective warehouse in Durham
After collection

What Happens to the Toys?

Used toys are transported to The ReCollective’s Durham warehouse, where they are sorted and distributed to community partners for reuse, repurposing, or recycling.

1

Collect: Toys return to The ReCollective’s Durham warehouse.

2

Sort: The toys are sorted and prepared for their next destination.

3

Reuse or recycle: Toys are distributed to community partners for repurposing or recycling.

Reuse & recycling partners

Community Partners Give Toys Another Life

The ReCollective works with Green Zone, The Scrap Exchange, and other community organizations to help give collected toys a second life through reuse, repurposing, or recycling.

Green Zone The Scrap Exchange
Common questions

Toy Recycling & Reuse FAQs

Can you recycle toys?
Some toys can be difficult to recycle through traditional programs. The ReCollective accepts functional used toys and routes them for reuse, repurposing, or recycling through community partners.
What can I do with old toys?
If toys are still functional, reuse or donation is often preferable to throwing them away. The ReCollective accepts qualifying used toys during designated collections.
What types of toys does The ReCollective accept?
We accept functional toys including building toys, dolls and plush toys, educational toys, outdoor toys, pretend-play toys, puzzles and games, and electronic or tech toys.
Does The ReCollective accept broken toys?
No. Broken toys and toys missing parts that make them non-functional are not accepted.
How should I set out toys for pickup?
Place approved toys in your own bag smaller than 30 gallons and set it beside your black waterproof bag. Do not put toys in the ReCo Pick bag.
What happens to toys after collection?
Toys return to The ReCollective’s Durham warehouse and are distributed through partners including Green Zone, The Scrap Exchange, and other community organizations for reuse, repurposing, or recycling.

ReCo Pick Reminders

Standard monthly members Set out approved toys only during a month when Used Toys are featured as a ReCo Pick or bonus material.
Almost Anything Plan members You may set out approved toys during any monthly pickup using the preparation instructions on this page.
Use your own bag Use a separate bag smaller than 30 gallons and place it beside your black waterproof bag, not inside the ReCo Pick bag.
Mailback is also available Used toys are accepted through the Almost Anything Bag Mailback program.
Related information

Other Donation and Reuse Guides

Wrapped candy donation guide Donation guide Wrapped Candy Yard sign recycling and reuse guide Reuse guide Yard Signs Used kitchenware reuse guide Reuse guide Used Kitchenware CD and DVD reuse guide Reuse guide CDs & DVDs
Service information

City Recycling Pages & Mailback

City page Durham View local information City page Raleigh View local information City page Cary View local information City page Chapel Hill & Carrboro View local information Mailback Almost Anything Bag Used toys accepted