What to Do With Old Board Games: Keep, Donate, Sell, or Recycle

Don't toss them automatically—old games can hold surprising value, utility, or sentimental worth. Here's a decision framework.

Keep & Use

• Play them! Many classics (Acquire, Diplomacy, Cosmic Encounter) hold up beautifully.
• Display – Vintage boxes and artwork make striking wall decor or shelf pieces.
• Gift to family/friends – Pass down favorites with their stories attached.
• Creative reuse – Components for prototypes, art projects, jewelry, mixed-media collages.
• Educational tools – Teach probability (dice), resource management, negotiation.

Donate / Pass On

• Thrift stores / Goodwill / Salvation Army – Quick drop-off.
• Libraries / Community centers / Schools – Many accept donations for game programs.
• Board game cafés / FLGS – Some take donations for their lending libraries.
• Buy Nothing groups / Freecycle / Nextdoor – Direct to neighbors.
• Child's Play Charity / Goodwill Gamer – Gaming-specific donation channels.

Sell

• BoardGameGeek Marketplace – Collector audience; accurate pricing.
• eBay – Broad reach; factor 13% fees + shipping.
• Facebook Marketplace / local groups – No shipping for local sales.
• Consignment at FLGS – Store sells for you (typical split ~60/40).

Recycle / Dispose (Last Resort)

• Separate components: Cardboard → recycling; plastic pieces → check local codes; untreated wood → compost/yard waste.
• Non-recyclable: Coated cards, shrink wrap, foam inserts → landfill.

Before Deciding

1. Check BoardGameGeek for rarity/value.
2. Assess completeness – missing pieces drastically reduce value.
3. Weigh sentimental value vs. space cost.

One person's clutter is another's grail. Research first.