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How to Recycle Playground & Outdoor Play Equipment
Residential swing sets, trampolines, playhouses, and outdoor play structures. Resale and scrap metal are realistic; plastic components usually are not curbside-recyclable.
Check local acceptanceComplete safe sets can sell for tens to hundreds of dollars; scrap is per-pound metal valueLast reviewed July 31, 2026
Quick answer
Sell safe, recall-free swing sets and trampolines on Marketplace when families want them. Ask daycares before donating; many refuse used residential sets for liability. Metal frames and trampoline steel can go to scrap; plastic slides rarely recycle. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- Complete safe sets can sell for tens to hundreds of dollars; scrap is per-pound metal value
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Check CPSC.gov for recalls before selling or donating
- 2Inspect for cracked plastic, rust-through, and missing safety parts
- 3Disassemble for transport and scrap sorting
- 4Separate steel frames from plastic slides and covers
- 5Note lead paint or CCA-treated wood on older sets before sanding
Where to Recycle
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
- Metal scrap yards
- Junk removal / bulky waste
- Habitat ReStore (only if the local store accepts play equipment)
Special Instructions
Daycares and schools often decline used residential playground equipment because of insurance rules. Scrap yards want metal; HDPE slides and mixed plastics usually become trash or bulky waste. Older wood structures may use CCA treatment; do not burn them or sand without protections. Junk removal is a common final path for unsafe sets.
Environmental Impact
Scrap steel recovery is the main recycling win. Passing on unsafe equipment creates injury risk that outweighs diversion benefits.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Sell with honest repair notes if safety is intact
- Scrap metal components
- Hire junk haulers for mixed loads
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Structurally sound swing sets for resale
- Trampoline steel frames for scrap after disassembly
- Playhouses free of hazards and recalls
- Hardware and metal poles
Not Accepted
- Recalled equipment
- Sets with cracked load-bearing plastic or rusted-through tubing for reuse
- Assuming plastic slides are curbside recyclable
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: Complete safe sets can sell for tens to hundreds of dollars; scrap is per-pound metal value
Donation
- Local daycares and preschools (ask first; often declined)
- Community centers (ask first)
- Families via Marketplace giveaways
Hazardous Components
- Lead paint on older equipment (pre-1978 finishes)
- CCA-treated wood on older structures
FAQs
Will a daycare take my old swing set?
Ask first. Many will say no for liability and insurance reasons even if the set looks fine.
How do I check recalls?
Search the product on https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls before you sell or give it away.
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Recycle playground & outdoor play equipment
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