How to get rid of your tarot cards safely

Last Updated: July 26, 2022

I have used many different decks of tarot cards over the years and, like many tarot readers, I eventually reached a point where I needed to get rid of them. Some of the reasons I chose to part ways with a tarot deck is that I had outgrown it, I wasn’t using it much lately or I did not feel connected to it anymore. Now, I am a big proponent of safe deck disposal, and we should always aim to protect the environment when doing so. I would also not recommend throwing your old decks in the bin, as it is not very respectful to the cards and the help they have provided for years.

If you have a deck of tarot cards that you no longer want or need, there are a few different ways you can get dispose of them in a safe and ecological manner.

1. Trade your old tarot decks

Trading your tarot decks with someone else can be a great way to connect with another tarot reader. I have traded old tarot decks with some friends but also with other readers I have got to know through Instagram. If you are like me, there are probably a few decks or 100 that you would love to add to your collection, but as you all know space and money don’t always allow us to buy them all.

So trading is a great way to get a new deck without having to spend any money, and it also feels good to pass on your old decks to someone who will use them more.

2. Sell your old tarot decks

If you have a few tarot decks collecting dust on a shelf, it might be worth considering selling them to someone else. There are a few places where you can do this, including Facebook Market, eBay, Amazon, local markets, or tarot-specific forums. Of course, the price you’ll get for them will vary depending on the deck’s age, condition, and rarity. Make sure to take detailed pictures of the decks, this will help with selling them quicker.

New tarot decks can be expensive, and as you probably know, it can be really hard to resist the temptation! To avoid going bankrupt, selling your older decks can be a good way to help fund a new deck purchase.

3. Gift your old tarot decks

Gifting your tarot decks to someone else is a great way to either treat an existing tarot reader or to introduce a curious friend to this amazing divination method. By gifting your old tarot decks, you allow them to carry providing insights and guidance to the new owner. We all know that connection is a big part of tarot, and gifting your deck to someone you care about is a great way to connect with them and pass on some of that amazing energy.

If you don’t have anyone in mind to gift your tarot deck to, consider using a local online marketplace. There are plenty of people out there who would love to get their hands on a new deck!

4. Create artwork with your old tarot cards

You can use your old tarot cards to create beautiful works of art. All you need is a little imagination and some basic materials. In the picture below, Reddit user u/EsotericSnail decided to place every card on a frame and mount it on the wall. The result is stunning! But you don’t have to be limited to just wall art.

You may also use your old cards on other surfaces, like on the top of a coffee table or a desk that has a glass top. You can even turn them into magnets or coasters! So get creative and see what you can come up with. And if you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of online tutorials that can help!

5. Consider using them for a free giveaway on social media

If you are a social media witch like me, using your old tarot decks as part of a giveaway package can be a great way to clean out your inventory whilst growing your following. Everyone loves free stuff, so creating social media giveaways is fun, engaging, and beneficial for all involved. Be sure to be upfront on the state of the tarot decks you are giving away. I would not recommend giving away a deck that’s in very poor condition or missing cards tho.

6. Recycle your old tarot decks

As I mentioned before, I am big on recycling and protecting the planet from unnecessary waste. So, if none of the above ways to safely dispose of your old tarot decks worked for you, I would suggest one last resort: recycle them.

I have seen other people suggesting burning your old tarot decks, and they don’t necessarily realize that the tarot cards and the box might be coated with inks and other chemicals that will get released into the atmosphere during the combustion process. Others have mentioned burying them in the ground, again the coatings on the cards and the box will make it harder for them to decompose and will potentially release harmful chemicals in the ground.

In my eyes, it’s best to visit your local recycling center. It’s an easy way to properly dispose of them and keep them from harming the environment.

Pro-Tip: cleanse your tarot decks before disposing of them

Before your part ways with your old decks, I would recommend cleansing them one last time. This will remove any residual energies, and allow you to move on without any negative attachments. This will also allow the new user to start with a clean slate. If you are interested in learning more about the cleansing process, you may find my article explaining the different ways to cleanse your tarot cards useful.

Written by Lizzie Burgess

I have been reading Tarot for more than 15 years. I have always enjoyed using my intuition to provide clarity and insights to others. Tarot is one of my favorite forms of divination, and I love sharing that passion with like-minded folks.