Bicycle Helmets Landfill (Trash) Cart 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.