Plastic Toys Alternative ways to recycle Trash Container For large plastic toys, you can schedule a Bulky Item Pickup. NEVER put any toys (even non-plastics) in the recycling bin – it is one of the most problematic materials we receive and they are not recycled. Reduce and Reuse: Less is more! The less toys the more valued they are. Focus on toys that inspire learning and building creativity. Where possible try to find used toys at yard sales, thrift stores, and from friends and family. You can also donate gently used toys to Los Angeles County Toy Loan program. Electronic Parts? It's E-Waste Do not put plastic toys that contain batteries, memory chips or computer screens in the trash. If it has electronic parts, it should be disposed of with e-waste. Remove Batteries Always check to see if a plastic toy has batteries. If it contains batteries, remove them and dispose of them separately. Find out what to do with batteries. Alternative Ways to Recycle Hasbro Toy Recycling Program You can send in used Hasbro toys and games to the Hasbro Toy Recycling Program, which is a free recycling program through TerraCycle. Find out how to mail in these toys. Ways to Reduce Buy Eco-Friendly Toys Avoid plastic toys when possible and opt for toys made from wood and natural cloth instead. Green Toys is a company that uses recycled plastics and other environmentally friendly materials to make their products. Repair Broken Toys Avoid throwing away every toy that breaks to reduce the amount of waste produced by your household. Some companies, like Lego, will replace or sell missing pieces. You can also send in toys to repair services, such as This Old Toy and Randy’s Toy Shop. Ways to Reuse Donate to a Thrift Shop or Charity If your plastic toys are in good condition, donate them to a thrift shop or charity. Donation Town picks up unwanted toys and then gives them to children in need. Did You Know? The Dark Side of Plastic Toys Plastic toys are thrown out frequently: 55 percent of parents admit to throwing away toys regularly to reduce clutter. As these toys sit underground in landfills, they will leach hazardous toxins into the air and water. These toxins are derived from plastic, and are known to increase the risk of developing liver and kidney disease and other cancers.
