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You are here: Home / Reviews / What To Do With Unwanted, Broken and Used Toys (Don’t Throw Them Away!)

What To Do With Unwanted, Broken and Used Toys (Don’t Throw Them Away!)

April 12, 2017 by Nicole 22 Comments

My family joined the Tom’s of Maine Less Waste Challenge to help us reduce the used toys clutter in our home and lessen our contribution to the 250 million+ tons of waste generated every year in the United States. As part of the Tom’s of Maine Goodness Circle of bloggers, I will be compensated for this blog post. All opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own.

I have four kids, which means we have lots (and lots) of toys. We have inside toys and outside toys and everywhere in between toys. I don’t mind the toys as long as my kids play with them and put the toys back where they belong when they are finished playing. We’re still working on that last part.

Some of my children’s toys get played with until they completely wear out, while other toys may hardly get any use at all. Either way, toys come and toys go at our house on a regular basis.

The cool thing I have learned is that when it is time for toys to go, they don’t need to go into the garbage can. Toys don’t have to become part of our landfills. There are lots of options for used – even broken – toys!

What to do with used toys - Toy Donations - Recycle Toys #LessWasteChallenge

Check out this list to find out what to do with unwanted, broken and used toys that doesn’t involve putting them to waste in landfills.

  • Recycle Broken Toys. Yes, you read that right: Recycle. Believe it or not, broken toys are not totally useless. Tom’s of Maine encourages families to reduce waste by sending unwanted toys to the toy recycling program. It’s super easy! Here’s how:
  1. Visit Tom’s of Maine and enter your contact information to receive a free UPS shipping label via email
  2. Fill an old box with up to ten pounds of broken toys and ship it out with the label. That’s it!

  • Donate Used Toys. Many places around your town gladly accept gently used toys. Contact local thrift stores, charities, shelters, daycares, pediatrician offices, and social services to find out where to drop off toy donations. Your unwanted toys can bring happiness to other children.
  • Host a Toy Swap. This is a fun activity to do with neighborhood, school or other community groups. Set a time for everyone to bring unwanted toys and swap them for toys they want.
  • Make money selling unwanted used toys. Earn extra cash by selling toys at a yard sale or posting an online ad.
  • Hand-me-down Toys. Kids outgrow toys that still have a lot of life left in them. Ask friends and family members if they or someone they know would want to take over ownership of toys your child has outgrown. You may be surprised by how often you get takers! Free hand-me-down toys are a score for parents and kids.

It’s time for the kids to help me spring clean the toy room. We started filling a toy donation box for the Tom’s of Maine Less Waste Challenge. The broken toys and games with missing pieces add up quickly!

tom's of maine less waste challenge

How do you reduce the toy clutter at your house? Do you have any broken toys to send in for toy recycling? 

[Tweet “What To Do With Unwanted, Broken and Used Toys – Read it at @momfindsout”]

Another way families can reduce waste is to upcycle. Watch this cool video to see how to Turn Your Mouthwash Bottle Into a Bird Feeder, and then click here to see How to Turn Your Toothpaste Carton into a Gift Box.

Click To Take the Tom’s of Maine #LessWasteChallenge Pledge! Then, enter to win the giveaway below.

One lucky reader will win an awesome Tom’s of Maine prize package which includes:

  • Creamy Coconut Body Wash
  • Creamy Coconut Bar Soap
  • Luminous White Toothpaste
  • Soft Toothbrush
  • Wicked Fresh Mouthwash
  • Women’s Long Last Deodorant – Lavender


Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: donate stuffed animals, toy donations, where to donate used toys

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cheryl says

    April 12, 2017 at 10:57 am

    I’m taking the Tom’s of Maine Less Waste Challenge!

    Reply
  2. Ashley C says

    April 13, 2017 at 5:18 am

    I am taking the Less Waste Challenge!

    Reply
  3. Cynthia C says

    April 13, 2017 at 6:57 am

    I am taking the pledge today.

    Reply
  4. Christina Sparks says

    April 13, 2017 at 7:30 am

    I like to recycle. I recycle plastic bags and use them for trash liners, to pick up dog waste. I reuse mayo jar and things to keep screws and nuts in. I buy second hand items and donate them as well.

    Reply
  5. Debbi Wellenstein says

    April 13, 2017 at 12:01 pm

    I am taking the Less Waste Challenge from Tom’s of Maine.

    Reply
  6. Elena says

    April 13, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    I would love to take this challenge. I already reuse and recycle

    Reply
  7. k anne says

    April 13, 2017 at 7:49 pm

    I’m taking the Less Waste Challenge from Tom’s of Maine

    Reply
  8. Amanda Alvarado says

    April 19, 2017 at 6:46 pm

    I am taking the challenge!

    Reply
  9. Stephanie says

    April 20, 2017 at 11:12 am

    I am taking the pledge today thanks!

    Reply
  10. Sara @ finditfixitorbuildit.com says

    April 22, 2017 at 10:55 pm

    Great ideas! We like to reuse or recycle everything we can. I’ve never heard of Tom’s of Maine…good to know! #HomeMattersParty

    Reply
  11. Maryann Drapkin says

    April 23, 2017 at 6:03 am

    Yes I do think it is a great idea to take the Tom’s of Maine Less Waste Challenge!

    Reply
  12. Donna @ Modern on Monticello says

    April 24, 2017 at 9:04 am

    I love that they are recycling toys – how awesome! Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty

    Reply
  13. Emily says

    April 24, 2017 at 9:07 pm

    We always donate our old toys to our church yard sale… the problem is when my son thinks it means he can buy toys at the sale! #HomeMattersParty

    Reply
  14. paige chandler says

    April 27, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    Yes I am taking the challenge!!

    Reply
  15. Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai says

    April 29, 2017 at 12:21 am

    Donating those no longer used toys is a great idea! I also like the idea of upcycling them into something useful. 🙂 #HomeMattersParty

    ~Lorelai
    Life With Lorelai

    Reply
  16. Amy Deeter says

    April 30, 2017 at 12:31 am

    Yep I am sure taking the challenge!!

    Reply
  17. Janine Hwang says

    April 30, 2017 at 3:58 am

    Yes to the challenge! Sadly they are out of labels though!

    Reply
  18. allison says

    April 30, 2017 at 9:36 am

    I will pledge for this great challenge! Thanks so much for the chances to win.

    Reply
  19. Hesper Fry says

    April 30, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    I am up to taking the challenge!

    Reply
  20. Kathy Pease says

    April 30, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    I took the challenge

    Reply
  21. gala says

    April 30, 2017 at 5:19 pm

    I am taking the Tom’s of Maine Less Waste Challenge!

    Reply
  22. Laurie Emerson says

    April 30, 2017 at 6:37 pm

    I am taking the challenge.

    Reply

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Hi! I’m Nicole…it's nice to meet you! I am a mom to four awesome boys who are growing up way too fast. MOM ALWAYS FINDS OUT is just a tiny peek into our lives. I love to share my favorite products and brands with you, too!

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