Alexei Volkov
Plastic toys are a significant contributor to global environmental issues and climate change. With approximately 90% of toys made from plastic, the short lifespan of these toys often sees them discarded into landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to break down. While recycling plastic toys can be challenging due to the variety of materials used and their bulky nature, some waste management companies, like TerraCycle, are stepping up to the task. These companies are implementing innovative solutions to recycle or repurpose toys, ensuring they don't end up in landfills. This introduction will explore the efforts of waste management companies in addressing the environmental impact of plastic toys and their role in promoting sustainable practices within the toy industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of toys that end up in landfills | 80% |
| Percentage of toys made of plastic | 90% |
| Percentage of plastic toys that are recycled | Low |
| Companies that recycle toys | TerraCycle, Dagoma's Toy Emergency Room, Mattel Playback |
| Toy companies transitioning to bioplastics | Lego |
| Toy companies partnering with TerraCycle | Hasbro, Spin Master, Vtech, LeapFrog, Mattel, LOL Surprise!, Zuru |
| Toy company with recycled plastic toys | Clementoni |
| Ways to dispose of plastic toys | Donate, repurpose, recycle |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic toys are hard to recycle
The good news is that most trash can technically be recycled, and there are some companies that specialise in recycling toys. One such company is TerraCycle, which has launched several free toy-recycling programmes in the US, taking items that typically cannot be recycled, such as pet toys and pool inflatables. TerraCycle works with brands, retailers, and stakeholders who fund the recycling process. They sort, clean, shred, crush and melt down the toys into materials that are later used to make goods like lunchboxes and flower pots. Mattel Playback also offers recycling for plastic toys.
There are also several eco-friendly ways to handle plastic toys that are no longer wanted. Nearly every thrift store and donation centre will take toys, and there are also toy rental or sharing services in some communities. It is also possible to sell toys at garage sales, on Facebook groups, or on apps like Letgo. Some toys, like Legos, Hot Wheels, and Barbies, hold their value quite well.
To reduce the environmental impact of plastic toys in the future, it is recommended to choose toys made from sustainable materials like wood or recycled plastics, opt for quality over quantity, and look for toys made from single types of plastic, which are easier to recycle.
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Waste management companies can recycle kids' plastic toys
Plastic toys are almost entirely made from hard plastic, and because they are usually a mixture of different materials, they are often considered general waste. This means they end up in landfills or are incinerated. Given that plastic makes up 90% of the toy industry, the environmental impact is significant.
To recycle plastic toys, you can check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept them. If they do, ensure the toys are cleaned thoroughly and that any batteries or electronic components are removed. You can also consider donating toys that are still in good condition to local charities, schools, or daycare centers. Another option is to get creative and repurpose plastic toys as decorations, storage containers, or in arts and crafts projects.
It is important to note that recycling is not a perfect solution, and it is up to both the toy industry and consumers to push for better alternatives to dealing with plastics and other waste. Consumers can make thoughtful decisions when purchasing toys, opting for second-hand, durable items, and choosing natural, sustainable materials when possible.
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Consumers can help reduce plastic toy waste
Consumers can play a significant role in reducing plastic toy waste and its adverse impact on the environment. Here are some ways consumers can make a difference:
Choose Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Toys: Opt for toys made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as biodegradable or recyclable options. Natural wooden toys, for instance, are made from renewable resources and are easily recycled or biodegraded. Avoid cheap plastic toys that often contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, BPA, lead, and cadmium, which can have health implications for children.
Buy Second-Hand or Rent Toys: Consider purchasing second-hand toys from thrift stores, garage sales, or online exchanges. This reduces the demand for new plastic toys and diverts them from landfills. Additionally, renting toys instead of buying them can also decrease waste associated with plastic toys.
Donate Toys: Donating toys you or your children no longer use can significantly benefit the environment and those in need. It reduces the need for more plastic toys to be manufactured, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Support Eco-Conscious Brands: Choose brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Look for companies that use recycled materials, reduce plastic packaging, and commit to minimizing their environmental impact. For example, Lego has started using recycled paper pouches instead of single-use plastic for its packaging.
Reduce, Reuse, and Repair: Embrace a low-waste mindset by limiting the purchase of new plastic toys. Embrace durable and long-lasting toys that won't easily break. When toys break, try repairing them instead of automatically replacing them. You can also rotate toys to keep them novel and interesting, reducing the overall number of toys purchased.
Choose Reusable Diapers: Opting for reusable cloth diapers instead of disposable ones can significantly reduce plastic waste. Cloth diapers are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and have resale value, offering both environmental and economic benefits.
By adopting these practices, consumers can actively contribute to reducing plastic toy waste, protecting the environment, and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
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Manufacturers can improve plastic toy sustainability
The plastic toy industry, historically reliant on plastics for manufacturing, is undergoing a sustainability-oriented transformation. With increasing awareness of environmental issues and a growing demand from consumers for sustainable products, toy manufacturers are gradually adopting eco-friendly practices.
Reduce Plastic Usage
Manufacturers can start by reducing plastic usage in their toys. Plastic makes up 90% of the toy industry, and while it is durable and safe for children, it is not environmentally friendly. Wood-based toys, for example, are responsible for far fewer emissions than plastic toys, but wood exacerbates deforestation and requires a lot of electricity for processing. Manufacturers could also consider using plant-based or bioplastics, like bio-polyethylene derived from sugarcane, which Lego is currently implementing for its softer toy elements.
Source Sustainable Materials
Toy companies should source sustainable materials for their products. This could mean using recycled plastic, like Green Toys, which uses 100% recycled plastic from milk jugs, or plant-based plastics, like Playmobil, which now uses plastics that are 90% plant-based.
Improve Toy Design
Toy manufacturers can improve the design of their products to make them more durable, repairable, and recyclable. This will reduce the number of toys ending up in landfills, which is currently around 80%. Additionally, designing toys with longevity in mind can reduce the number of toys being recycled, reused, or discarded each year.
Reduce Transportation Emissions
Most toys are currently produced in China, with the United States being the largest importer. Manufacturers can reduce emissions by producing toys closer to their target markets.
Offer Recycling Programs
Manufacturers can partner with recycling companies to enable toy recycling. For example, TerraCycle has partnered with Hasbro, Spin Master, and Vtech to offer recycling programs for their toys. Mattel also offers recycling for plastic toys.
The shift towards sustainability in the toy industry is gaining momentum, driven by consumer demand and the imperative to protect the environment. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, and while challenges remain, the industry is moving in a positive direction.
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Alternatives to plastic toys
Plastic is a common material for children's toys, but it is not the only option. There are several alternatives to plastic toys that are safer for children and the environment.
One alternative is to opt for toys made from natural materials such as wood, textiles, and metals. These materials are biodegradable and do not contain harmful chemicals or additives. For example, Grapat, a Spanish family-run business, creates wooden toys with soft shapes and beautiful colours. Montessori toys are also mostly made from natural materials and are designed to be explored with the mouth and hands as children grow. They focus on building skills, including STEM learning, and encouraging independence.
Another option is to explore sustainable plastics made from bio-based, biocomposite, or biodegradable raw materials. These plastics are designed to be returned to nature at the end of their useful life. For instance, Green Dot Bioplastics offers biodegradable plastics like PLA, PHA, and compostable soft plastic elastomers for toy manufacturing. Lego has also announced a transition to bioplastic blocks, acknowledging the environmental impact of their annual CO2 emissions.
Additionally, parents can choose to buy second-hand toys, opt for durable toys, or focus on natural, sustainable materials. They can also repair broken toys, repurpose household items, or join toy libraries to reduce their environmental impact and minimise plastic waste.
Finally, alternatives to toys can also be considered. For instance, chalk can be a great way to encourage children to express their creativity outdoors, while activity cards can provide fun and educational prompts for indoor play.
By choosing alternatives to plastic toys, we can create a cleaner and safer environment for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
The process of recycling plastic toys involves sorting, cleaning, shredding, crushing, and melting down the toys into materials that can be used to create new products. The melted-down plastic can be moulded into various items, such as lunchboxes and flower pots.
Yes, TerraCycle is a notable example of a waste management company that recycles plastic toys. They have partnered with toy manufacturers like Hasbro, Spin Master, and Mattel to facilitate toy recycling. Other companies like Dagoma's Toy Emergency Room and Mattel Playback are also dedicated to recycling plastic toys.
Check with your local recycling facility or waste management service to see if they accept plastic toys. If they do, ensure that you clean the toys, remove any batteries, and separate electronic components before recycling. You can also consider donating toys in good condition to charities, schools, or daycare centres, or get creative by repurposing them for decorations, storage, or arts and crafts projects.
