December 23, 2025
Quick Answer: In Rockland County, plastic toys can be tossed in the garbage. If they have batteries, remove the batteries before placing the rest in the garbage. Those batteries and electronic toys displaying a hazardous warning label can be dropped off free at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Donate working toys to local thrift stores, such as Goodwill in Nanuet or the Salvation Army.
The holiday season brings joy and excitement, but it also presents a familiar challenge for families: what to do with the mountain of toys children have outgrown or no longer work.
As gift-giving ramps up and new toys arrive, managing toy disposal becomes increasingly important for maintaining an organized home and protecting our environment.
Can You Recycle Plastic Toys in Rockland County?
Plastic toys are not acceptable in blue or green bins. Plastic toys go in the garbage.
Why can't plastic toys be recycled?
Most plastic toys combine multiple types of plastic materials, metals, electronics, and chemical additives that recycling facilities cannot separate efficiently. Mixing non-recyclable items like toys with your recyclables can contaminate batches and create problems at the sorting facility.
How to Dispose of Electronic Toys in Rockland County
Here’s a step-by-step process for electronic toy disposal:
Step 1: Identify if your toy qualifies as e-waste
Electronic toys requiring special disposal may include:
- Electronic game consoles
- Talking dolls and interactive plush toys
- Handheld games
- Remote-controlled vehicles
- Battery-operated learning toys
- Any toy with a screen or circuit board
They need to display a hazardous warning label. If they don’t have the label and the toy has removable batteries, remove the batteries and place the toy in the garbage. Dispose of those batteries at the Hazardous Waste Facility (HHW).
Step 2: Bring qualifying electronic toys to the HHW Facility
Location: 35 Firemens Memorial Drive in Pomona
Cost: Free for Rockland County residents
Results: Rockland residents recently recycled 529,507 pounds of e-waste!
Alternative option: Participating retailers throughout the county also accept electronics. Visit the NYS DEC website for locations.
Where to Donate Toys in Rockland County
Best donation locations for working toys:
- Goodwill NYNJ Store & Donation Center
Location: 130 West Route 59, Nanuet, NY
Accepts: Toys in good condition, games, children's items - The Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center
Accepts: Wide variety of toys, games, children's items
Benefit: Supports local community programs - Tappan Zee Thrift Shop
Accepts: Clean, working toys - Grace Church Thrift Shop
Location: Nyack
Phone: 845-358-7488 (call before donating)
Accepts: Toys, games, clothing, housewares - Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Accepts: Some children's items and household goods
Benefit: Supports affordable housing initiatives - Pickup Services
Pickup Please offers free donation pickup in Rockland County for clothing, household items, toys, and furniture (convenient for large donations).
Donation checklist:
- Wash plastic toys thoroughly
- Launder stuffed animals
- Test that toys work properly
- Include all necessary pieces
- Check for sharp edges or choking hazards
- Avoid recalled items
- Call ahead to confirm acceptance
What to Do with Broken Toys
Option 1: Manufacturer take-back programs
- Hasbro: Mail-in toy recycling program through TerraCycle
- LEGO® Replay donation program for used bricks
- Mattel: Special recycling initiatives for certain products
Option 2: Municipal disposal
Contact your municipality's waste collection service or visit Rockland Green's Transfer Stations:
- Hillburn Transfer Station: 50 Baler Blvd., Hillburn, NY
- Clarkstown Transfer Station: 166 S Route 303, West Nyack, NY
- Bowline/Haverstraw Transfer Station: 200 Beach Road, West Haverstraw, NY
How to Reduce Toy Waste During the Holiday Season
Before buying new toys:
- Assess current inventory. What toys are unused?
- Organize a toy swap. Exchange with other families using social media groups.
- Choose quality over quantity. Buy durable toys that last years.
- Select sustainable materials. Wood-based toys have lower environmental impact.
- Consider experiences. Gift memberships, classes, or outings instead.
Also, use social media to post items like children's clothes, toys, furniture, or electronics for free local pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions on Recycling Toys
Q: What about toys from fast food restaurants?
A: Small plastic toys from kids' meals cannot be recycled curbside and typically must be disposed of as garbage after use.
Q: Can I recycle toy packaging?
A: Check the packaging material. Cardboard boxes go in your blue bin. Plastic packaging typically cannot be recycled curbside, but may be accepted at retail drop-off locations.
Q: What about toy batteries?
A: Never throw batteries in the garbage or recycling. Bring them to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
Need help with toy disposal?
Visit our Recycling Resources for schedules and guidelines. By making informed decisions about toy recycling, disposal, and donation, families can reduce their environmental footprint while supporting the community. Whether you're decluttering after the holidays or simply organizing your home, proper toy disposal makes a meaningful difference for our environment and future generations.