Minnesota Donation & Recycling Guide
When you’re decluttering, some items can’t be donated to thrift stores—but that doesn’t mean they need to go in the trash. This guide shares trusted places and programs in Minnesota that accept old car seats, breast pumps, expired baby items, and cell phones, plus tips for what to check before you drop off.
Tip: Policies change, so I always recommend confirming hours and accepted items before you go.
Car Seats
Most organizations cannot accept used car seats due to safety and liability. If a seat is expired, has been in a crash, or you don’t know its history, recycling is usually the best option.
Target Car Seat Trade-In Events (seasonal)
Target periodically offers car seat recycling events where seats are responsibly recycled and participants receive a store discount. Events are limited-time—check Target’s website for current dates.
County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facilities
Some metro counties accept car seats for recycling:
Hennepin County
Ramsey County
Washington County
Dakota County
(Check your county’s HHW site for current acceptance guidelines.)
Buy Nothing Groups (only if safe)
If a seat is:
within expiration
never in a crash
clean and complete
You may choose to gift it locally with clear disclosure.
Look for a sticker or imprint on the car seat base or shell that lists a manufacture date and/or expiration date.
Finding the Expiration Date
Breast Pumps
Many donation centers won’t accept used breast pumps due to hygiene rules, but some parts may be recyclable, and some organizations accept new-in-box or closed-system pumps.
New or unopened pumps
Women’s shelters, pregnancy resource programs, community baby closets (policies vary). Always call ahead; policies are strict for infant feeding items.
Used pumps
Typically not accepted, but you can:
recycle electronics components
dispose safely via e-waste programs
What you can donate even if the pump can’t:
Unused flange kits
unopened milk storage bags
nursing pads (unopened)
unopened bottles/nipples
Cell Phones
Many donation centers won’t accept used breast pumps due to hygiene rules, but some parts may be recyclable, and some organizations accept new-in-box or closed-system pumps.
Before donating or recycling
Back up photos and data
Sign out of Apple ID or Google account
Factory reset the device
Remove the SIM card
Twin Cities Options
Most major phone carriers accept old phones for recycling
Best Buy stores throughout the metro accept phones for e-waste recycling
Donation Programs
Some organizations refurbish phones for:
Domestic violence survivors
Emergency-use phones (911 capable)
(Availability varies—check program guidelines.)
Kids Items
& Toys
These organizations generally accept clean, complete, and safe children’s items and toys. Always check current guidelines before dropping off.
Goodwill (Twin Cities locations)
Accepts children’s clothing, books, puzzles, games, and many toys (no recalls, no broken items).Arc’s Value Village
Accepts clothing, toys, books, and games. Proceeds support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Bridging
Best for families transitioning out of homelessness. Accepts select baby and children’s items (policies vary).Minneapolis Toy Library
Offers families access to toys through borrowing rather than owning. A great option for gently used, complete toys—especially puzzles, games, and open-ended play items. Acceptance guidelines vary by location, so check before donating.Kaleidoscope Learning
Supports early childhood learning through play-based materials and resources. Gently used, high-quality toys and learning materials may be accepted depending on current needs—check guidelines before donating.The Salvation Army
Accepts kids’ clothing and toys in good condition at many Twin Cities drop sites.
Gently Used Clothing
ThredUp
ThredUp is a convenient option for responsibly letting go of gently used clothing. You can pick up a free ThredUp Clean Out Bag at The Container Store, fill it with your gently used items, and send it in for processing.
ThredUp reviews each item and:
Pays you for higher-value pieces
Responsibly recycles items that can’t be resold
This is a great choice for decluttering clothing that’s still in good condition, especially when you want an easy, mail-in option that keeps textiles out of landfills.
Accepted items and payout vary—check ThredUp’s guidelines before sending your bag.
Need help deciding what goes where?
Sorting these items can feel overwhelming—especially when safety rules and donation policies vary.
I help Twin Cities families declutter responsibly, quickly, and without guesswork. If you’d like help sorting, deciding what to donate, or creating a clear plan, I’d love to support you.
