Eventually most LEGO collections accumulate a pile that doesn't have a clear home — sets you've outgrown, mixed bricks from re-sorted boxes, duplicates from buying second-hand lots, parts left over after a build. This guide covers the realistic options for that pile.
Option 1: Sell whole sets (best for complete sets with instructions)
BrickLink
The standard marketplace for LEGO collectors. Sellers register a store, list sets and parts, ship to buyers worldwide. Reaches the most knowledgeable buyer base, gets the best prices, but has a learning curve. BrickLink takes a small commission per sale.
Worth it for: complete sets with original boxes (especially flagships and retired sets), collector-grade minifigures, large lots of sorted parts.
eBay
Reaches casual buyers who don't know BrickLink exists. Generally lower prices than BrickLink for serious LEGO items, but higher prices than BrickLink for items appealing to a non-LEGO-collector audience (e.g. nostalgia gifts, toys for kids). eBay's fees are higher.
Worth it for: large mixed lots ("3 kg of LEGO"), sets aimed at parent gift-buyers, anything where the buyer pool is broader than LEGO collectors.
Facebook Marketplace / local pickup
Lowest prices but no shipping hassle. Worth it for huge lots that would be expensive to ship.
Option 2: Sell loose bricks by weight
For random unsorted brick (children's mixed-collection era), the practical floor is "sell by weight" — typically $5–10 per pound for unsorted clean LEGO, more for sorted lots, less for incomplete sets. eBay and Facebook Marketplace are the main channels. The buyer is usually another collector who'll sort and resell, so don't expect retail-equivalent prices.
Option 3: Donate
Local schools
Elementary schools and after-school programs are nearly always grateful for unsorted LEGO donations. Call the school first — some prefer specific themes (Duplo for kindergarten, standard LEGO for grade 1+) and many have storage constraints.
LEGO Replay (where available)
LEGO's own donation program — drop off used LEGO at participating retailers and they're cleaned, sorted, and donated to nonprofits. Currently US-only, regional availability varies. Check LEGO.com for current participating locations.
Children's hospitals
Often need sealed sets specifically (hygiene + completeness), not loose pieces. Call the hospital's volunteer office before showing up with a donation.
Community centres / refugee assistance
Many community-services organizations distribute donated toys to families in need. LEGO is consistently in demand because of its long durability and broad age range.
Option 4: Keep and build something new (MOC)
If you have time and inclination, the most rewarding option is to repurpose loose brick into your own builds. The community calls this MOC — My Own Creation. Active MOC communities live on Reddit (r/lego, r/legomocs), Eurobricks, and LEGO Ideas (LEGO's own platform for fan submissions, with the chance — slim but real — that a popular MOC becomes an official set).
Software helps if you want to plan before building: BrickLink Studio (free) is the standard MOC design tool.
What you should NOT do
- Throw LEGO in regular trash. ABS plastic doesn't biodegrade. Every option above is better.
- Sell incomplete sets as "complete." Buyers check parts lists; a missing minifigure or printed brick destroys reputation faster than the small price gain is worth.
- Burn LEGO for fun (yes, people ask). ABS plastic produces toxic fumes when burned. Don't do this.
Quick decision matrix
| What you have | Best option |
|---|---|
| Complete flagship set with box + instructions | BrickLink (or eBay if no LEGO collector audience) |
| Loose minifigures from old sets | BrickLink (sort and list individually) |
| Large mixed pile, no time to sort | Facebook Marketplace as a single lot, or donate |
| Parts left over from a build | Keep — they almost always come in handy later |
| Children's outgrown sets, mixed | Donate to school or LEGO Replay if available |
| Specific 18+ flagship in mint sealed condition | Sit on it — sealed flagships often appreciate |
See also
- How LEGO sets hold value — relevant if selling sealed sets.
- How to store and organize a LEGO collection — for the keep-and-organize path.