June 9th, 2025
While commercial playgrounds are meant to be well-loved, they still don't last forever. Whether your playground is not up to safety standards, is damaged, or not meeting the needs of your community anymore, you might be wondering what to do with old playground equipment once it's time to get rid of it.
At Noah's Park & Playgrounds, we understand that removing playground structures is a big decision. It requires making smart, safe, and eco-friendly choices for your space and your community. In this post we'll walk you through all the steps for decommissioning an old playset and options for recycling, repurposing, and preparing for what comes next.
5 Steps for Safe Playground Equipment Removal
Don't be overwhelmed by the task of removing an old playground. By breaking down the project into these five steps it turns into a more manageable process.
1. Planning and preparation by accessing the space and gathering any necessary information about how the equipment was installed.
2. Disassembly of the equipment with volunteers or by a professional company. Start small and stay organized by labeling screws, nuts, and bolts to avoid losing them if reassembling the equipment elsewhere is part of the plan.
3. Site restoration once the equipment has been removed take a look at the site and decide what repairs are needed to get it ready for new play features.
4. Disposal and recycling of materials that can be recycled to be environmentally responsible.
5. Preparation for new playground equipment by replacing any damaged safety surface materials.
Following these steps and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ASTM guidelines for knowing when it's time to remove old playground equipment will ensure that the process goes efficiently and safely. Taking environmental responsibility into account during each step, especially when it comes to disposal and recycling will help protect your community and the planet.
Start with a Thorough Assessment of the Old Playground Equipment
If you think your playset is nearing the end, start by taking a walk around the space looking for:
- Integrity of the structure
- Deteriorated materials
- Rust on outdoor playground equipment
- Loose or missing parts
- Sharp edges
During your walkthrough take notes of any issues discovered. Once you have assessed the playground equipment and decided that it's time to remove, gather any necessary information on how the equipment was installed and if there's any manufacturer's instructions for dismantling and reassembling the equipment.
Important tip: once the decision has been made to get rid of the old playground equipment, it's important to clearly communicate with your organization that the space will be closed for the time being. Post on social media platforms and install signs around the play space to keep people from entering the area, especially if the removal step won't be complete in one day.
Repurposing Equipment: What to Know Before You Move It
Reusing playground equipment in lower traffic areas, such as from one school in a district to a smaller location, can be a great eco-friendly option if the equipment is still in excellent condition. Playsets are designed to be installed once and remain in place until they reach the end of their useful life. However, Relocation is possible with meticulous care to avoid compromising safety or structural integrity. When it comes to upgrading a jungle gym, typically the best option is, "out with the old, in with the new," to ensure the place space meets modern standards and community expectations.
If the original organization chooses to relocate or sell the used playground equipment, it's essential that they equip the receiving organization with as much information as possible. This should include:
- Maintenance guidelines
- Safety documentation
- Any transferable warranties
There are no specific tests or certifications required to relocate or reuse a playset. However, once the equipment has been transferred it will be treated as a brand new installation, meaning that it will need to comply with all current safety standards.
How to Creatively Repurpose Old Playground Equipment
Imagination is the only limit when it comes to eco-friendly ways to repurpose old playground equipment. Playground pieces can be used as sculptures in the community to preserve their legacy while enriching the environment. Old metal components that have been recycled can be used to support donations or serve as an additional fundraising stream for future projects or community initiatives. However, safety should always remain the top priority. Especially when working with older equipment, be mindful of materials that may pose hazards during disassembly or recycling. Creating ideas should never compromise the safety of the community.
Donating Old Playground Equipment, the Right Way
Donations of used playground elements to nonprofit organizations, lower-income cities or schools, and even international organizations are quite common, and can make a big impact for the receiving organization. These asset transfers, including their estimated value, are typically processed like any other non-monetary donation.
For the safest donation possible, transparency remains essential, only equipment that continues to be in excellent condition should be donated. The quality and fair value of the play equipment should be clearly communicated to the new organization. Safety is always the top priority, regardless of who the recipient is.
Eco-Friendly Disposal Tips for Playground Equipment Removal
The most important part of environmental responsibility when it comes to disassembly of outdoor playground equipment is what is done with the equipment once it's been removed. If reusing or repurposing equipment is not an option, recycling materials is the next best eco-friendly disposal choice:
- Metal components and bolts are commonly recyclable.
- Plastic components like slides, HDPE panels, and climbers can usually be recycled by specialized facilities, and it is best if they don't end up at a landfill.
- Wood elements can be turned into mulch for new playgrounds or landscaping. However, if it comes from an older playground and has been treated with chromated copper arsenate, it is hazardous and must be disposed of properly.
- Rubber surfacing may be recycled through rubber recycling programs such as tire recyclers.
When it comes to removal and disposal of play pieces it's important to follow local regulations. Avoid illegally dumping treated wood or rubber because it can contaminate soil and water. Burning plastic components or rubber elements releases toxic fumes and is usually prohibited. Tracking and sharing the impact your recycling efforts make is a great way to get the community invested in the project.
Leave it to the Professional Junk Removal Companies
If the process of removal and disposal of playground equipment is seeming overwhelming, hiring a professional junk removal company is always a great option. A professional junk removal company will handle all of the heavy lifting and haul away the old jungle gym. Coordinating with local recycling companies ahead of the disassembly day will ensure an eco-friendly disposal and that the project is done safely and efficiently.
Out with the Old, In with the New
Planning your next project can, and ideally should, begin before the old equipment has even been removed. This proactive approach will help minimize downtime, keeping your space active and engaging without a long gap in play.
As you prepare for your new build, take time to talk with parents, teachers, or residents in your community, about what features they'd most like to see in the new playground. Consider which parts of the old layout were most popular and what elements were rarely used to help guide better design decisions. Gathering feedback and reflecting on past usage ensure your next playground is not only safe and more modern, but more meaningful for the children who use it.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
Decommissioning old playground equipment doesn't have to be an overwhelming and sad time. With thoughtful planning, it's the start of something even better. From safely removing and recycling old playground equipment and designing a brand-new space that will serve the community for years to come, every step matters. At Noah's park & Playgrounds, we're here to help guide you through the process and bring your next playground vision to life. Whether you've already started planning or are just getting started, our team is ready to support you with expert advice, high-quality playground equipment, and custom solutions tailored to your needs. Let's build something great together; get started today!