Here's How To Recycle Your Kids Ride On Toys

Ever wondered where all those missing tricycles, scooters, and pedal cars end up?

In Ireland alone, children’s lost toys contribute nearly 500 tonnes of plastic waste each year—that's the equivalent of over 30 million plastic bottles dumped into landfills!

As startling as these figures are, they only scratch the surface of a global issue.

Recycling ride-on toys isn't just about decluttering your home; it’s about taking a significant step towards environmental conservation.

Types of Ride-On Toys That Can Be Recycled

Identifying Recyclable Materials in Ride-On Toys

Whether it's the plastic tricycle that's seen better days or the balance bike your kid has outgrown, many ride-on toys can be recycled.

Understanding the materials used in these toys is crucial for proper recycling.

Here's a breakdown of common recyclable types and their materials:

Plastic Tricycles and Pedal Cars

Most plastic ride-on toys are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP). These thermoplastics can be melted down and reformed into new products.

Look for recycling symbols with numbers 2 (HDPE) or 5 (PP) on the toy.

Scooters

Scooters often contain a mix of materials:

• Metal parts (handlebars, frame): Usually aluminum or steel, both highly recyclable.
• Plastic components: Often PP or ABS plastic.
• Rubber wheels: Can be recycled at specialised facilities.

Balance Bikes

These typically feature:

• Metal frame: Usually steel or aluminum.
• Rubber tires: Recyclable at tire recycling centres.
• Plastic components: Often HDPE or PP.

Other Recyclable Ride-On Toys

• Wagons: Often made of recyclable plastic or metal.
• Toy cars: Plastic bodies (HDPE/PP) with metal axles.
• Rocking horses: Plastic versions are usually recyclable; wooden ones may require special handling.

Recycling Process

When recycling these toys, it's important to:

1. Remove any non-recyclable parts: This includes fabric seats, electronic components, or any mixed materials that cannot be easily separated.
2. Clean the toy thoroughly: Remove any dirt, debris, or stickers to ensure the recycling process is efficient.
3. Check with your local recycling facility: Acceptance may vary by location, so it's crucial to understand the specific guidelines for recycling in your area.

Tips for Efficient Recycling

• Sort by material type: Separate plastic, metal, and rubber components to streamline the recycling process.
• Use recycling drop-off points: Many local councils provide specific drop-off points for different types of recyclable materials.
• Consider donation: If the toy is still in good condition, donating it to a charity or second-hand store can be a sustainable alternative to recycling.

By properly identifying and separating materials, you can ensure that your child's outgrown ride-on toys are recycled efficiently, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Remember to always consult your local recycling guidelines to ensure compliance with regional requirements.

Preparing Ride-On Toys for Recycling 

Preparing Ride-On Toys for Recycling

When your child has outgrown their ride-on toys, proper preparation is crucial for effective recycling.

Follow these steps to ensure your toys are ready for their next life:

1. Thorough Cleaning

Start by giving the toy a deep clean to remove dirt, grime, and any personal items:

• Use warm water and mild soap to scrub all surfaces.
• Pay special attention to crevices where dirt can accumulate.
• For electronic parts, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down surfaces.
• Allow the toy to dry completely before proceeding.

2. Dismantling and Sorting

Carefully take apart the toy to separate different materials:

• Remove batteries and electronic components (these require special disposal).
• Separate plastic parts from metal components.
• Identify recyclable plastics (look for recycling symbols with numbers 2 for HDPE or 5 for PP).
• Set aside rubber parts like wheels for specialised recycling.

3. Material Identification

Familiarise yourself with common materials in ride-on toys:

• Plastic bodies: Often HDPE or PP, highly recyclable.
• Metal frames: Usually aluminum or steel, both recyclable.
• Rubber tires: Require specialised recycling facilities.
• Electronic components: Need separate e-waste recycling.

4. Proper Disposal of Non-Recyclables

For parts that can't be recycled:

• Batteries: Take to designated battery recycling points.
• Electronic components: Find local e-waste recycling centres.
• Fabric seats or padding: Consider donating if in good condition.

5. Organising for Recycling

Group similar materials together:

• Use separate containers for plastics, metals, and other materials.
• Label each container clearly to avoid mix-ups.

Remember, the goal is to make the recycling process as efficient as possible.

By properly preparing your ride-on toys, you're contributing to a more sustainable future and potentially providing materials for new toys or other products.

Pro Tip: Check with local recycling facilities about their specific requirements. Some may prefer toys to be left intact for their own sorting processes.

Teaching Sustainability

By following these steps, you're not only disposing of outgrown toys responsibly but also teaching children valuable lessons about sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Donating or Selling Ride-On Toys

If your toys are still in good shape, consider giving them a second life:

• Donate to local charities, schools, or community centres.
• Sell or give away on online platforms or local buy/sell groups.

Tips for Effective Online Selling

If your ride-on toys are still in good condition, selling them online can be a great way to extend their life and avoid waste.

Here are some tips to make the process effective:

• Photograph your toy from multiple angles, using natural light where possible to show the true condition of the item.
• Provide detailed descriptions, including any wear and tear, to maintain transparency and build trust with potential buyers.
• Be responsive to inquiries and reasonable offers to facilitate a quick sale.
• Use relevant keywords and hashtags in your listings to improve visibility, such as #UsedToys, #RecycleToys, or #EcoFriendlyToys.

Repurposing or Upcycling Options

Feeling creative?

Here’s how you can repurpose ride-on toys:

• Turn an old tricycle into a quirky garden planter.
• Use scooter parts as funky storage containers or decorative pieces.
• Explore online for DIY project ideas that transform these toys into something new and exciting!

Safety Tips for DIY Projects

Repurposing ride-on toys into new items like planters or furniture can be a rewarding DIY project.

However, safety is paramount:

• Wear protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles, especially when cutting or drilling.
• Ensure all finishes and materials used are child-safe, particularly if the repurposed item will remain within reach of children. Opt for non-toxic paints and adhesives.
• Check for stability and durability in the finished product to prevent accidents, especially if it will be used as furniture or play equipment.

Safety Considerations

Ensure that toys are safe and in good condition before repurposing or donating.

Check for any recalls or safety issues, and properly dispose of toys that are damaged or unsafe.

Guidelines for Disassembling Toys

Disassembling toys might be necessary for both recycling and repurposing projects.

Here’s how to do it safely and efficiently:

• Use the right tools for the job, such as screwdrivers for screws and pliers for removing snaps or rivets.
• Keep small parts organised in containers to prevent loss and potential choking hazards.
• Label parts if needed, especially if you plan to reassemble the item or use specific components for other projects. This organisation helps keep track of materials and simplifies the process, whether you’re recycling or repurposing the parts.

Global Recycling Initiatives for Toys

As the environmental impact of toy waste becomes increasingly apparent, various countries and organisations worldwide are implementing innovative recycling programs.

These initiatives aim to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and create a circular economy for toys.

LEGO Replay (Global)

LEGO's international recycling program encourages the reuse and recycling of LEGO bricks:

• Allows customers to donate used LEGO bricks.
• Bricks are cleaned, repackaged, and donated to children's non-profits.
• Has recycled over 460,000 kg of LEGO bricks so far.
• LEGO Replay

Mattel PlayBack Program (USA, Canada, France, Germany, UK)

Mattel's initiative focuses on recycling old toys:

• Accepts Barbie, Matchbox, and MEGA toys for recycling.
• Aims to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics in all toys and packaging by 2030.
• Mattel PlayBack

Recycle to Read (UK)

A collaborative effort involving toy companies and publishers:

• Encourages toy rehoming and recycling in schools.
• Rewards participating schools with book vouchers and bundles.
• Launched in Sussex, with plans for nationwide expansion.
• Recycle to Read

The Toy Project (UK)

A charity-based initiative in London:

• Collects and redistributes pre-loved toys.
• Uses an electric cargo bike for eco-friendly toy collections.
• Combines recycling with community engagement and education.
• The Toy Project

TerraCycle's Toy Zero Waste Box (Global)

An international solution for hard-to-recycle toys:

• Accepts various types of toys for recycling.
• Available in multiple countries.
• Partners with leading toy brands to offer free recycling programs.
• TerraCycle's Toy Zero Waste Box

Toy Rescue Project (France)

Initiated by 3D printer company Dagoma:

• Focuses on repairing broken toys using 3D-printed parts.
• Aims to reduce the estimated 40 million toys discarded annually in France.
• Toy Rescue Project

These global initiatives demonstrate a growing commitment to addressing toy waste.

They combine recycling efforts with education, community engagement, and technological innovation.

As these programs expand and new ones emerge, they pave the way for a more sustainable future in the toy industry, reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles worldwide.

References:

1. LEGO Replay
2. Mattel PlayBack
3. TerraCycle's Toy Zero Waste Box
4. Recycle to Read
5. The Toy Project
6. Toy Rescue Project

Environmental Impact of Toy Waste

The toy industry's environmental footprint is more significant than many realise, with far-reaching consequences for our planet.

Understanding the scale of this impact is crucial for promoting sustainable practices in toy production, consumption, and disposal.

Scale of the Problem

• Nearly 80% of all toys end their life cycles in landfills, incinerators, or the ocean.
• Toys make up almost 6% of landfill plastics worldwide.
• In France alone, 40 million toys are discarded into landfills annually.
• The global toy market was valued at $95-129 billion in 2020, with continued growth expected.

Long-term Environmental Consequences

1. Plastic Pollution: Most toys are made of plastic, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. As they break down, they release microplastics that contaminate soil and water systems.

2. Chemical Leaching: Many toys contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the environment when disposed of improperly, affecting soil fertility and water quality.

3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The production and transportation of toys contribute significantly to carbon emissions. For example, the annual sale of 60 million Barbie dolls contributes emissions equivalent to burning 381 million gallons of gasoline.

4. Resource Depletion: The continuous production of new toys, often from non-renewable resources like petroleum-based plastics, leads to the depletion of valuable materials.

Benefits of Recycling and Reuse

1. Material Conservation: Recycling toys helps conserve raw materials and reduces the need for virgin plastic production.

2. Landfill Reduction: Proper recycling and reuse of toys can significantly reduce the volume of waste in landfills.

3. Energy Savings: Recycling toys requires less energy compared to manufacturing new ones from raw materials.

4. Pollution Prevention: By keeping toys out of landfills and incinerators, we reduce the release of toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases into the environment.

5. Social Impact: Reusing and donating toys can benefit children from underprivileged backgrounds, combining environmental benefits with social good.

Innovative Solutions

Some companies and organisations are taking steps to address this issue:

• LEGO Replay: This program has recycled over 460,000 kg of LEGO bricks by cleaning and repackaging them for donation.
• Mattel PlayBack Program: Aims to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics in all toys and packaging by 2030.
• TerraCycle's Toy Zero Waste Box: Provides a solution for recycling hard-to-recycle toys globally.

By understanding the environmental impact of toy waste and the benefits of recycling, we can make more informed decisions about toy consumption and disposal.

Embracing circular economy principles in the toy industry is not just beneficial for the environment, but also teaches children valuable lessons about sustainability and responsible consumption.

Conclusion

Every toy recycled, donated, or repurposed is a step towards reducing the massive environmental impact of toy waste.

In a world where the e-toy category alone contributes significantly to global e-waste, every action counts.

Let's make recycling ride-on toys a common practice—not just for our closets' sake but for the planet's future.

Remember, engaging in community efforts and advocating for recycling can amplify our impact.

This conversation isn't just about clearing out the garage; it's about making responsible choices that benefit our environment and future generations.

FAQs

What should I do if my child's ride-on toy is broken and cannot be recycled?

If your child's ride-on toy is broken and cannot be recycled, first try to identify any parts that can be salvaged or repurposed. Remove batteries and electronic components, as these require special disposal at designated e-waste recycling points. For remaining parts, check with your local waste management facility for proper disposal methods. Some areas have specific guidelines for large plastic items. Consider upcycling projects or donating to toy repair initiatives like the Toy Rescue Project in France, which uses 3D-printed parts to fix broken toys.

How can I teach my children about the importance of recycling their toys?

Teaching children about toy recycling can be both fun and educational. Explain the basics of recycling and its environmental importance. Involve them in sorting toys, discussing which parts are recyclable. Use educational resources like books, videos, and interactive games focused on recycling. Set a good example by recycling household items and participating in community recycling events. Programs like Recycle to Read in the UK, which combines toy recycling with rewards for schools, can be great teaching tools.

Are there any incentives or rewards for recycling toys in the UK?

Yes, some UK programs offer incentives for recycling toys. The Recycle to Read program rewards participating schools with book vouchers and bundles for recycling toys. Some retailer take-back programs might provide discounts on future purchases when you return old toys. The Toy Project in London combines recycling with community engagement, offering an indirect reward through social impact. Check with local councils, schools, and retailers for available programs in your area.

Can ride-on toys be recycled into new products?

Yes, materials from recycled ride-on toys can be repurposed into new products. Plastics can be melted down and reformed into new items, such as playground equipment or benches. Metals can be smelted and reused in various industries. LEGO's Replay program, for instance, cleans and repackages used bricks for donation, having recycled over 460,000 kg of LEGO bricks so far. Mattel's PlayBack program aims to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics in all toys and packaging by 2030, demonstrating the potential for creating a circular economy in the toy industry.