Disclosure: This post shares information provided by TerraCycle, VTech and LeapFrog about their current free electronic-toy recycling program. Please check the official program information before shipping items, as accepted materials and contest terms apply.
I remember when Charlie and even Suzzane was little there toy bins would become full of toys they outgrew of never played with. A couple times a year we would take time to clean out the toy bin and make piles to give away, throw away of keep. With the #Holidays eight around the corner if your children’s toy bins look anything like ours, there are probably electronic toys hiding in there that haven’t been played with in years.
Maybe the batteries have been removed and the toy no longer works. Maybe the buttons don’t work anymore. Maybe your child has simply outgrown it, and it isn’t something you can reasonably donate or sell. Before you toss it in the trash, there is another option.
Through November 30, 2026, families can send electronic toys and learning devices from ANY brand to TerraCycle for free recycling through the VTech & LeapFrog Toys Free Recycling Program. And because we’re heading into the holiday season, this could be a great time to clean out the toy bins and make room for what’s coming next.
Normally, the program accepts VTech and LeapFrog electronic toys and learning devices. But there is a special fall promotion happening now. Through November 30, the program is accepting electronic toys and learning devices from any brand. That means you don’t have to dig through the toy box trying to determine whether something is a VTech or LeapFrog product. If it is an old electronic toy or learning device that can’t be donated or sold, it may be an opportunity to recycle it instead.
How Does the Free Recycling Program Work? Participation is free.
Families can:
- Create a TerraCycle account.
- Enroll in the VTech & LeapFrog Toys Free Recycling Program.
- Gather eligible electronic toys and learning devices.
- Remove all batteries from the toys.
- Place the toys in a box.
- Print the prepaid shipping label.
- Send the box to TerraCycle.
Once TerraCycle receives the shipment, the toys are separated by material type, cleaned and processed into raw materials that can be used to manufacture new products. That’s a lot better than simply putting an old electronic toy in the garbage because you don’t know what else to do with it.
Here’s where this recycling program gets even more interesting for families who are already thinking about Christmas. Every shipment checked in by TerraCycle by November 30 earns 200 TerraCycle Recycling Rewards points. Those points can be redeemed as a donation to a nonprofit of your choice.
But that’s not all. Every qualifying shipment also gives participants a chance to win one of 10 VTech and LeapFrog prize packs. Each prize pack is valued at $164 in new electronic toys, with the winner choosing toys appropriate for either ages 1–3 or 4–7. TerraCycle says winners will be notified by email in early December. The contest is open to residents of the 48 contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., who are 18 or older, subject to the official rules.
One of my favorite things about this program is the timing. We’re heading into the part of the year when children may be getting new toys, games and electronics. Before those new things arrive, why not take a look at what is already sitting around the house?
You might have:
- Electronic learning toys that your children have outgrown
- Old educational devices that no longer work
- Toys with broken buttons or screens
- Electronic toys that aren’t in good enough condition to donate
- Toys that have simply been sitting unused for years
Instead of automatically putting everything in the trash, set aside the items that may qualify for recycling. Just remember to remove the batteries before shipping. Not everything needs to be recycled. If a toy still works and is in good condition, consider whether another child could enjoy it.
You might be able to:
- Donate it to a local organization
- Give it to a younger family member
- Offer it to a friend
- Sell it
- Pass it along through a local Buy Nothing or community group
Recycling can be a wonderful option for those electronic toys that have reached the end of their useful life and aren’t appropriate for donation or resale.
If you’re looking for a family activity that doesn’t require spending money, here’s an idea. Set a timer for 20 minutes and tackle one toy bin. Don’t try to clean the entire house. Just one bin. Make three piles:
KEEP — Things your family still uses.
PASS IT ON — Things that are still usable but no longer needed.
RECYCLE — Electronic toys that are broken, worn out or otherwise can’t reasonably be donated or sold.
You may be surprised by how much you can accomplish in 20 minutes. And when you’re finished, you’ve created a little more room for the holiday season. Because this is a special promotion with specific eligibility requirements, I recommend visiting the official program page before packing your box.
You’ll want to review the current accepted-item information, shipping instructions and official contest rules. Learn more and enroll: View the Ship & Win contest rules: And you can learn more about TerraCycle and its recycling programs on the company’s website.
I know how easy it is for families to keep putting off the toy clean-out. We’ll get to it later. We’ll deal with that box someday. Maybe someone will want it. And before you know it, another Christmas arrives and the toy bin is even fuller. This year, maybe November can be the month when we finally deal with some of those old electronic toys.
Clean out a little. Recycle what you can. Donate what still has life left in it. And make room for the next chapter. And who knows? Maybe one of those recycling shipments will even help a family win some new toys for Christmas.
GratefulMoments.com
Greatful. Thankful. Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
