Bicycle Helmets Donate or Sell if Usable Do Not Put In Recycling Usable bicycle helmets can be sold or donated. To find local donation locations, check out the NYS Reuse Locator Map. Bicycle helmets that are expired, damaged, or that cannot be donated or sold should be placed in the trash. Ways to Reduce Buy Recycled You can reduce the consumption of virgin plastics by buying helmets that are specifically made of recycled plastic. Replace Responsibly To reduce consumption and save money, replace helmets only when expired or damaged. The Snell Foundation recommends that helmets be replaced after 5 years of normal use or after a serious crash. Ways to Reuse Donate Helmets that are not expired or damaged can be sold second-hand at sporting goods stores, handed down to a family member, or donated to a local charity.