Leksaksåtervinning

So far I have not found figures for Sweden but did you know that more than 40 million toys were thrown away last year in the UK? I am sure the number must be high here in Sweden as well.

Of these 40 million, 13 million toys ended up in the dustbin and landfill sites.

Difficult to believe, right? I must admit I was quite shocked when I learnt this, especially as I have an ecological toy web shop. These toys might well be ethical but they are not ethical if they end up in our landfills when a child does not want to play with them any longer or has grown out of them.

When children receive new toys they are a source of endless fun and amusement. One can see a happy smile on their faces as the toy is something new to play with. Children do not really care whether toys are brand new or not. They are new to them and that is all that matters. When a toy is outgrown by a child, it can be turned into a “new toy” for another child who will again see it as a new source of endless fun.


So, instead of throwing away “old” toys, they can be donated for a good cause (to another child, to a charity, or simply sold). Children can also get involved by being asked to sort out which toys they do not want play with anymore. After that, it can be decided together with the child - regarding where/who to donate the toys to. This is an opportunity to discuss issues relating to the environment and recycling as well as helping good causes.

But, of course, toys also can break. Sometimes an “old” toy can be repaired. If this is possible (but still having in mind child-safety), it might request some skills and free time. But if possible, I think it is worth it, both for the child and for our environment.

And we should not forget Christmas - the period of the year for which 70% of the total world toy production takes place. Before Christmas is the best time to get children to go through their toys and sort them out. You can say to your child that Christmas is going to bring more toys so she/he need to make space for the new ones. Then we can decide together what to do with the toys. Maybe to donate them to children who are not as lucky as ourselves? However, do not forget to take the irreparably broken toys to the local central municipal recycling plant.

• Having all this in mind, here are some tips on how toys can be Recycled – Reused – Reduced – Repaired:

• Repair the broken or half broken toys when possible, but always have in mind the safety of the child.

• Take the irreparably broken toys to the local central municipal recycling plant.

• Recycle for a good cause. Toys can be donated to charity organisations or community groups.

• Reuse toys by exchanging them among your family, friends, neighbours…
Organise a Toy-for-Toy party and invite friends-family-neighbours over with their children’s “unwanted” toys. All kids will get “new” toys that cost no money and have no costs for our environment!

• Selling toys as second hand ones is nothing new. However, do not forget to check in what shape they are to make sure they are safe.

• Reduce the amount of toys piling up in your child’s room (and the resulting toy trash) by choosing natural and environmentally friendly toys which are long lasting and good for your child and our environment.