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Youth Support

Kids Outgrowing Things

What your family no longer needs may still have reuse or recycling value.

Updated

Smiling people sorting clothes, shoes, and toys into recycling bins

Children can outgrow a pair of shoes or lose interest in a toy long before the household finds time to sort it. A small, regular check can help you decide what still belongs in daily use and what needs a different next step.

Sort together when it makes sense

Choose one category to begin with: clothes that no longer fit, shoes that are no longer worn, or toys that have been set aside. Give your child a chance to choose what they still use and what they are ready to let go of. Keep meaningful items separate so a practical clear-out does not become a rushed decision about a favorite possession.

Set aside anything another household member may still need. For the remaining items, check condition and note missing pieces. Remove personal belongings, name labels with private details where possible, and sensitive information before offering items for pickup.

Confirm what can be collected

Together Recycling’s pickup categories include eligible clothes, shoes, and toys. You can include any combination of accepted categories in one request in active U.S. service areas. Read the accepted-items guide before making your list.

Do not assume every toy or material can be accepted. Describe the condition and any missing parts, and ask the team about broken toys, electronic toys, batteries, or items that are not clearly covered. Wet, contaminated, hazardous, or otherwise unsuitable items may be declined.

Keep the next step clear

  1. Write down the clothes, shoes, and toys you want collected.
  2. Check current pickup availability and confirm your exact address in the request.
  3. Share accurate item and contact details.
  4. Wait for confirmation and use the assigned day and preparation instructions.

The toy pickup guide explains what to ask when you are unsure about a toy. The preparation guide helps you check the collection details before making items available.

Be clear about reuse and donation

A pickup does not guarantee that an item will be recycled or delivered to a child or a particular recipient. Together Recycling is a recycling and collection company, not a charity, and does not promise a donation receipt or tax deduction. If you want to support a particular organization, contact it directly about its needs and acceptance rules.

A useful family habit

Keep the sorting session small and give every item a next step: keep it, check whether it is eligible for collection, or find an appropriate option for something outside the pickup guidance.

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