NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) have become a major part of the digital asset landscape, but let's be honest—not every NFT in your wallet is a keeper. Whether you minted something on impulse, received an airdrop you never asked for, or invested in a project that didn't pan out, unwanted NFTs can pile up fast.
So what do you do with these digital dead weights? In this guide, we'll walk through the best strategies for disposing of unwanted NFTs and the potential pitfalls you should watch out for along the way.
Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, NFTs can't simply be swapped or sold at market price whenever you want. Many NFTs have extremely low liquidity—meaning there's no buyer willing to take them off your hands. Others might have some theoretical value, but the gas fees to list or transfer them would cost more than the NFT itself.
This creates a unique problem: you're stuck with digital assets that clutter your wallet, potentially carry tax implications, and serve no practical purpose. The good news? Several platforms have emerged specifically to address this issue, each with its own approach.
When it comes to disposing of unwanted NFTs, you generally have two paths: platforms that reward you for "trashing" your NFTs, and platforms designed to help you harvest tax losses.
Reward-based platforms like The Junkyard let you "dump" your unwanted NFTs in exchange for platform tokens. You essentially trade your worthless NFT for Junkcoin (their internal currency), which you can then use to "fish" for other NFTs that other users have dumped. It's like a digital swap meet for NFTs nobody wanted in the first place.
Tax-loss harvesting platforms like NFT Loss Harvestooor and Unsellable NFT take a different approach. If you're holding NFTs that have lost value, these platforms help you realize those losses for tax purposes. This can be particularly useful if you need to offset capital gains from other crypto investments. Before making any moves with your unwanted NFTs, it's worth tracking all your transactions properly. 👉 Managing your NFT portfolio and tax obligations becomes much simpler with automated crypto tax software that connects directly to your wallets and exchanges.
Which route you choose depends on what you're trying to accomplish. Looking for entertainment value and the chance to snag someone else's castoff? Go with the reward model. Need legitimate tax documentation? Stick with the loss harvesting platforms.
Here's the reality: most unwanted NFTs have essentially zero liquidity. You can't sell them because nobody wants to buy them. This is where reward-based platforms shine—they create artificial demand by gamifying the disposal process.
When you deposit an unwanted NFT on The Junkyard, you're not selling it in the traditional sense. You're converting it into platform currency, which has its own ecosystem and use cases. It's not going to make you rich, but it's better than having a worthless token sitting in your wallet forever.
For NFTs with low but non-zero value, tax-loss harvesting might be the smarter play. You can document the loss, potentially save on taxes, and clear out your portfolio at the same time.
Anytime you interact with a new platform—especially one that requires wallet connections—security should be top of mind. Some key questions to ask:
Has the platform been audited by reputable security firms?
What kind of wallet permissions are you granting?
Is there a track record of user complaints or security incidents?
Before connecting your wallet to any NFT disposal platform, do your homework. Check community forums, Twitter discussions, and security advisories. A few minutes of research can save you from connecting to a malicious smart contract that drains your wallet.
It's also smart to use a burner wallet for these transactions when possible. Transfer only the NFTs you want to dispose of to a separate wallet, then interact with the platform from there. This limits your exposure if something goes wrong.
Not all NFT disposal platforms are created equal. Some are legitimate projects with active communities and transparent operations. Others might be poorly designed, abandoned by their developers, or worse—outright scams.
Look for platforms with:
Active social media presence and community engagement
Clear documentation about how the platform works
Transparent tokenomics (if they have a native token)
Positive user reviews and testimonials
Be wary of platforms that make unrealistic promises or pressure you to act quickly. If a platform claims you can turn worthless NFTs into significant value overnight, that's a red flag.
Managing the tax implications of NFT transactions can get complicated quickly, especially when you're disposing of multiple assets. 👉 Comprehensive crypto tax reporting tools help you track cost basis, calculate gains and losses, and generate the forms you need for accurate tax filing.
The best disposal method depends entirely on your specific circumstances:
Choose reward-based platforms if:
Your NFTs are genuinely worthless with no tax basis
You're interested in the gamification aspect
You don't need tax documentation
You want a simple, fast solution
Choose tax-loss harvesting if:
You originally paid for the NFTs and can document the purchase price
You need to offset other capital gains
You want proper tax records
You're in a jurisdiction where crypto losses are deductible
Don't rush the decision. Take time to understand what each platform offers and how it aligns with your goals. If you're unsure about the tax implications, consult with a crypto-savvy tax professional before making moves.
Getting rid of unwanted NFTs doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require some strategic thinking. Whether you opt for gamified disposal platforms or tax-loss harvesting services, the key is choosing the approach that makes the most sense for your portfolio and tax situation.
Remember that security should always come first—verify the legitimacy of any platform before connecting your wallet. And if you're dealing with NFTs that have tax implications, make sure you're documenting everything properly to stay compliant with tax authorities.
Your wallet doesn't need to be a graveyard for failed projects and random airdrops. With the right tools and approach, you can clear out the clutter and focus on the NFTs that actually matter to you.