Alexei Volkov
Plastic toys are almost entirely made of hard plastic, with 90% of toys being made of plastic. However, most recycling efforts focus on single-use plastics like beverage containers and packaging. As a result, there are limited options for recycling plastic toys, and they often end up in landfills or are incinerated. Some companies, like TerraCycle and Mattel Playback, offer toy recycling programs, and there are also toy library services that parents can join to reduce waste and save money. Additionally, parents can opt for second-hand toys or toys made from recycled materials to reduce the environmental impact of their purchases.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic toys are almost entirely made of hard plastic
While recycling plastic toys can be difficult, some options are available. Some companies, like Mattel Playback, offer recycling programs for plastic toys. Additionally, TerraCycle has partnered with toy manufacturers to enable recycling for specific brands, such as Hasbro and Spin Master toys. They also offer for-purchase recycling solutions for toys, action figures, and stuffed animals.
Another option is to repair and repurpose plastic toys. Services like This Old Toy and Randy's Toy Shop can help with repairs, and local schools or community centers might accept gently used toys. Donating or selling toys online or through platforms like Freecycle and Craigslist can also help extend the lifespan of plastic toys.
To reduce the environmental impact of plastic toys, it is essential to make thoughtful purchasing decisions. Buying second-hand toys, choosing sustainable alternatives, and utilizing toy libraries can help minimize the number of plastic toys that end up in landfills.
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Recycling plastic toys is crucial
Plastic toys are almost entirely made of hard plastic. For example, a toy kitchen contains 5.6 kg of valuable plastic, the equivalent of 400 empty plastic water bottles. Or 150 bottles are equivalent to a pushbike. While recycling plastic packaging is important, recycling plastic toys is an absolute necessity.
Children grow up fast, and their interests shift even faster, especially in their first years of life. Toys are often thrown away after a short lifespan. A survey conducted in Belgium in 2017 confirmed that 90% of the most popular toys are made entirely of plastic. The majority of parents answered that they did not know what to do with plastic toys at the end of their product life. As a result, plastic toys are thrown out frequently: 55% of parents admit to throwing away toys regularly to reduce clutter.
Since plastic toys are a mixture of different materials, they are mostly considered general waste. Not every container site recycles hard plastics, and local curbside recycling programs and drop-off centres might not accept bulky items. As a result, toys often end up in landfills or are incinerated. As these toys sit in landfills, they will leach hazardous toxins into the air and water.
Therefore, it is crucial to recycle plastic toys to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. There are several ways to recycle plastic toys, such as through manufacturer takeback programs, special recycling events, or finding new homes for these items through donation or resale. By recycling plastic toys, we can ensure that they are disposed of responsibly and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
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Plastic toys are considered general waste
However, there are still ways to dispose of plastic toys responsibly. Some companies, like TerraCycle, offer recycling solutions for toys, partnering with toy manufacturers such as Hasbro and Mattel Playback to enable recycling. Local waste management services may also provide pickup for large recyclables or direct you to a nearby facility that does. Certain days or special collection events for bulky plastic items might be available in your area.
Before considering recycling, it is worth exploring options to repurpose or donate your old toys. Websites like Freecycle, BuyNothing, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace provide platforms to give away items, and local schools or community centers might be interested in gently used toys. Repair services, such as This Old Toy and Randy's Toy Shop, can fix broken toys, extending their lifespan.
To reduce plastic waste, it is recommended to purchase secondhand toys or opt for toys made from wood and natural cloth. Toy libraries, such as the Minneapolis Toy Library, provide a great green living option by allowing children to access new toys regularly without the need to buy them. By making thoughtful decisions and choosing sustainable options, we can limit the amount of plastic waste generated and promote a more circular economy.
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Companies that recycle plastic toys
Plastic toys cannot be placed in your regular recycling bin due to their material composition and mixed materials. However, there are companies that offer recycling programs for plastic toys. Here are some companies that are making efforts to recycle plastic toys:
TerraCycle
TerraCycle has partnered with several toy manufacturers, including Hasbro, Spin Master, and Vtech & LeapFrog, to enable recycling. They also offer for-purchase recycling solutions for toys, action figures, and stuffed animals.
Mattel
Mattel, the company behind Barbie, Fisher-Price, and Hot Wheels, has introduced an 'Eco-Leadership Team' of four Barbies made from recycled materials. The company aims to use 100% recycled or bio-based plastic materials in its products by 2030. Mattel Playback is their recycling program for plastic toys.
Hasbro
Hasbro claims to be the first toy company in the US to start a toy recycling program, saving 20 tonnes of plastic waste. Recycled toys have been turned into new materials for play spaces, flower pots, and park benches.
Lego
Lego is working towards replacing the oil-based plastic used in its bricks with more sustainable alternatives. Currently, 22% of its bricks are not made from fossil fuels, and the company aims for half of its bricks to consist of renewable or recycled material by 2026 and to be 100% sustainable by 2032.
Playmobil
Playmobil's Wiltopia range is, on average, 80% recycled and bio-based. They have achieved this through mass balancing, which helps reduce the use of fossil-based raw materials and lowers the carbon footprint of the plastics used.
In addition to these companies, it's worth noting that some local waste management services may provide pickup for large recyclables or direct you to a nearby facility that accepts bulky plastic items. It's important to consider the entire lifecycle of toys and make choices that minimise their environmental impact.
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Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic toys
Plastic toys are harmful to the environment and can pose health risks to children. They are not easily recyclable and often end up in landfills. To reduce plastic waste and provide safer alternatives for children, it is essential to opt for eco-friendly toys made from natural, biodegradable materials. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to plastic toys:
Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are a traditional and popular choice for eco-friendly alternatives. Wood is a natural material that is biodegradable and recyclable. It is durable, does not break easily, and does not require the addition of chemicals. Wooden toys can be crafted into various shapes and sizes with attractive designs. Examples of non-toxic sealants for wooden toys include linseed oil and tung oil, which are safe for children.
Cloth Toys
Cloth toys are another traditional option, ranging from cloth teethers for babies to ragdolls, puppets, cloth books, and soft blocks made from organic cotton. They are designed with attractive colours that can catch a child's attention and are safe for them to play with.
Bamboo Toys
Bamboo is a renewable resource that grows quickly and does not require pesticides. Bamboo toys are lightweight, strong, biodegradable, and naturally antibacterial. They are durable and sustainable, making them an excellent alternative to plastic.
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber comes from the native Brazilian plant Hevea brasiliensis and is fully biodegradable. It is flexible, soft, and perfect for teethers and bath toys. It does not contain toxic chemicals, making it safe for children to chew and play with.
Toys from Organic Wool and Cotton
Toys made from organic wool and cotton are soft, cuddly, and safe for babies and toddlers. They are free from harmful dyes and chemicals and are biodegradable since they are made from natural fibres.
Silicone Toys
Silicone toys are made from synthetic materials derived from silica, a natural resource abundant in the Earth's crust. They do not contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, BPA, or lead, making them safe for children and the environment. Silicone toys are durable, easy to clean, and can withstand high temperatures.
In addition to these alternatives, parents can also consider buying second-hand toys, using toy libraries, and choosing toys made from recycled paper, cardboard, or bioplastics. These options reduce plastic waste and provide safer, more sustainable play alternatives for children.
Frequently asked questions
Plastic toys are technically recyclable, but their large size and odd shapes make them a challenge to dispose of responsibly. Most recycling efforts address single-use plastics like beverage containers and packaging.
You can recycle plastic toys through your local council or via specialist recycling companies such as TerraCycle, which offers for-purchase recycling solutions for toys, action figures, and stuffed animals. You can also contact your local waste management service to see if they provide pickup for large recyclables or can direct you to a nearby facility that does.
If your plastic toys are in good condition, you can donate them to a thrift shop or charity. You can also repurpose them or pass them on to someone else for reuse. Websites like Freecycle, BuyNothing, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are great platforms for giving away items.
