Should I Throw Away Old Legos?

It's a question many parents and LEGO enthusiasts face: Should I throw away my old Legos? Whether you've accumulated a pile of bricks over the years or found a forgotten set tucked away in the attic, the thought of tossing them in the trash may seem like the easiest solution. However, when it comes to Legos, there are far better alternatives to simply throwing them away.

Not only do these small plastic bricks hold sentimental value, but they also have an important environmental impact that’s often overlooked. In this blog, we'll explore why tossing your old Legos in the trash isn't the best choice, and we'll suggest a few thoughtful ways to ensure your LEGOs continue to bring joy while keeping the environment in mind.

1. Why You Shouldn’t Throw Away Old Legos

Not Environmentally Friendly

LEGO bricks are made from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, a durable and long-lasting material that’s ideal for toys. However, that durability also means they can last for hundreds, even thousands, of years in the environment. Once discarded, these bricks do not biodegrade, which means they can persist in a landfill for generations. When you throw away your old Legos, they become permanent waste, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution.

Additionally, ABS plastic isn’t accepted by most curbside recycling programs. While many plastics can be recycled into new products, Legos don't fit the mold—literally. Their small size, mixed materials, and lack of recycling symbols make them difficult, if not impossible, to process through regular recycling channels. Throwing them away may seem like an easy fix, but it only pushes the problem further into the future.

Not Recyclable Through Regular Means

Most recycling centers can't process LEGO bricks, and this presents a significant issue. The mixed plastics in Legos, combined with their small size and lack of standard recycling symbols, complicate the recycling process. In fact, even thrift stores—where many people might hope to donate their old toys—often won't accept incomplete or mixed LEGO sets. These sets are usually rejected, and unfortunately, they may end up in the trash.

Instead of allowing your bricks to become part of the waste stream, there are far more responsible alternatives that ensure your Legos get a second life.

2. Better Alternatives to Throwing Away Old Legos

Donate to Charities and Organizations

One of the best ways to ensure your old Legos continue to have a purpose is by donating them to a charity or organization. Several organizations specialize in LEGO donations and redistribute bricks to children in need, schools, and community programs.

• Brick Recycler is one such organization that accepts all kinds of LEGO donations—whether the sets are complete or mixed. After sorting through the bricks, they redistribute them to children’s charities, schools, and at-risk youth programs.

• LEGO Replay, LEGO's own donation program, helps facilitate the process by collecting used bricks, cleaning them, and donating them to children’s charities across the country.

You can also check with local schools, community centers, or children’s hospitals to see if they would be willing to accept your LEGO donation. Just make sure to call ahead to inquire about their specific donation policies.

Pass Them On

Another fantastic option is to pass your old Legos on to friends, family, or other children. LEGO bricks are designed to last and are compatible across different sets and decades. So, whether it’s a relative's child or a neighbor looking to expand their own collection, passing on your old Legos can keep them in use for many more years and provide another child with the joy of building.

Sell or Give Away

If your Lego sets are complete or in good condition, consider selling them or giving them away to someone who can appreciate them. Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local community groups are perfect for selling or gifting your bricks. With a bit of effort, you might even find collectors looking for specific sets, or families seeking affordable toys for their children.

3. Why Donation is the Best Option

Environmental Impact

Donating your old Legos ensures that they don’t end up as plastic waste in landfills. Rather than adding to the global plastic pollution problem, your donation can give these durable bricks a new purpose. It's the most eco-friendly choice you can make, allowing these toys to continue serving their purpose in someone else’s hands.

Supporting Creativity and Education

When you donate your Legos, you're doing more than just giving away toys. You're fostering creativity and supporting hands-on learning for kids in need. Legos are more than just toys—they are educational tools that help children develop important skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and fine motor skills. By donating your sets to schools or community programs, you’re providing children with the opportunity to engage in imaginative play and build critical thinking abilities.

Recycling in the Real World

While traditional recycling isn’t an option for LEGO bricks, donating is the closest thing to "recycling" your bricks in a meaningful way. Even incomplete sets or mixed pieces find new homes and are put to good use by organizations that specialize in LEGO donations. So, rather than sending your Legos to the landfill, you’re giving them a second chance at life, where they will continue to inspire new generations of builders.

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, throwing away old Legos is not only environmentally irresponsible, but it also misses an opportunity to bring joy to others. These durable plastic bricks can last for centuries, and the impact of sending them to a landfill is significant. Instead, consider the many alternatives—donating to charities, passing them on to friends and family, or selling them to someone who can appreciate their value.

By donating or sharing your Legos, you’re not only helping keep plastic out of landfills, but you're also supporting creativity and education for new generations of builders. Whether it’s through charity programs like LEGO Replay, passing them to a young friend, or selling them on an online marketplace, these options ensure your Legos continue to inspire creativity and hands-on learning.

Call to Action

Take action today! Check out local charities, explore donation options like LEGO Replay, or reach out to your network to see if anyone would love to receive your old Legos. For those who are looking to display their collections in a stylish way, you can also visit BrickZoneHub, where you can find high-quality LEGO display stands that will beautifully showcase your bricks. If you’ve already donated or passed on your Legos, share your experience and inspire others to do the same. Let’s keep these iconic bricks in circulation for years to come, where they can continue to spark imagination and fun for others!