What to Do With Old Trophies and Medals: A Guide to Recycling, Donating, and Upcycling

We’ve all been there: you’re deep-cleaning a closet or working through the basement to find old totes of trophies and medals. Maybe they belong to your grown kids who don't want them, or maybe you’re still holding onto your own "glory days" hardware.

The sentiment is real, but so is the clutter. It can feel like you're tossing away a piece of your child’s youth, or a chapter of your own story, but we simply weren't meant to hold onto every physical piece of the past forever. The growth, the lessons, and the memories stay with you; the plastic doesn't have to.

If you’re caught between sentimental guilt and a need for a clean guest room, here is your ultimate guide to recycling, donating, and, when necessary, tossing those old awards.

Where to Donate Trophies

If you have a mountain of trophies, the Nationwide Trophy Recycling Program is your best bet. Started 40 years ago in a small-town shop in Poynette, Wisconsin, this program officially went nationwide in 2007 and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2021.

• How it works: Visit their website and purchase a "recycling ticket" based on how many trophies you’re sending. You'll receive a special code via email to write on your boxes.

  
  

• The Mission: They strip the trophies for parts, clean them up, and re-engrave them for nonprofits with limited budgets.

  
  

• Website: Nationwide Trophy Recycling Program

  
  

Where to Donate Medals

Sports Medal Recycling

• What they take: All types of metal medals (sports, academic, etc.). Note: They do not take trophies or plaques.

  
  

• The Mission: This group of athletes scraps the metal and donates 100% of the proceeds to charities like the MS Challenge.

  
  

• Website: Sports Medal Recycling

  
  

  You can also follow them on Facebook for pictures of your medals as they are received and processed!

Medals4Mettle

• What they take: Specifically earned half-marathon, marathon, and triathlon medals.

  
  

• The Mission: They "re-gift" the achievement by attaching a new ribbon and awarding the medals to children and adults fighting debilitating illnesses.

  
  

• Website: Medals4Mettle

  
  

The "Pickle" With Ribbons

If you have a stack of thin rectangular ribbons from swim meets or large horse show rosettes, you might be tempted to toss them in the recycling bin. The reality? They are NOT recyclable. Unfortunately, if you aren't going to reuse them, off to the trash they go.

• Why? Most are a mix of polyester, metal pins, staples, glue, and cardboard. Recyclers can’t easily separate these materials, and they can jam sorting machines.

  
  

• The Workaround: Ribbons are perfect for upcycling! Use them to make colorful holiday wreaths, festive shadow boxes, or unique Christmas tree ornaments.

  
  

Try To Donate Locally 

Before you pay for shipping (which can be pricey since trophies are heavy!), check your local "Mom and Pop" trophy shop.

Kentucky Spotlight: If you're local to us, Parrott’s Trophies in Nicholasville (125 Edgewood Plaza) often takes back trophies to reuse the marble bases or figures. They are open M-F, 9–3.

Pro-Tip: Always call first! Many local shops are happy to take high-quality parts to keep their costs down and items out of the landfill.

The Creative Route: Upcycling & Crafts

If your child has a hard time letting go of a specific award, turn it into something functional:

• Home Decor: Turn medals into refrigerator magnets, Christmas ornaments, or even drawer pulls.

  
  

• The Library Look: Heavy marble bases make excellent bookends. Unscrew the plastic figure, glue two bases together, or spray paint them a chic matte black to match your decor.

  
  

• Functional Art: Use heavy medals as pattern weights for sewing projects or turn them into customized keychains.

  
  

The Cold Hard Reality: When to Trash It

I know it’s hard, but some awards are simply destined for the bin.

• The Material Rule: If a trophy is primarily plastic, acrylic, or resin, most recycling programs won't take them because they have no scrap value.

  
  

• The Rule of Thumb: If it’s marble and metal, it has "second life" potential. If it’s mostly plastic and glue, it’s likely headed for the trash.

  
  

• Glass Awards: Check your local city guidelines; some glass can be tossed in your blue bin, but many specialty glasses cannot.

  
  

Congratulate Yourself

Decluttering the basement or the kids' old rooms is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you are shipping trophies off to Wisconsin or turning a marble base into a bookend, pat yourself on the back for keeping these items out of the landfill!

If you’re on a roll and looking to find new homes for other childhood treasures, check out my other guides:

• How to Donate Your Old LEGOs

• Where to Donate American Girl Dolls and Clothes

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Want more than just DIY help?

If the thought of sorting through years of "stuff" feels overwhelming, we’d love to help you in your home! Whether it's one closet or an entire basement, we specialize in helping you clear the chaos so you can enjoy your space again.

Click here to book your consultation or follow us on Instagram for more decluttering and organizing inspiration.

Oh, and check out our Resources Page for our PDF donation guides!