Boom in Toy Sales Prompts Call for Recycling Focus

Parents’ efforts to keep their children amused during COVID lock-downs has resulted in an increase in demand for toys and games, which is great news for manufacturers but not so good for the environment.

Marketing company Bazaarvoice reviewed more than 6000 brand and retailer websites and found that page views for the toy and hobby category globally were 90% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019.

General Manager of TerraCycle Australia, Jean Bailliard, issued a plea for parents to ensure the packaging of those products, and any unwanted toys after lock-down ends, are disposed of responsibly.

*Toy sales have increased during pandemic lockdowns but there are fears many will be dumped in landfill as kids go back to school. Photo: cottonbro.*

He said toys are hard to recycle in general because they are usually made from several materials which need to be separated to be recycled effectively.

“While metal and electronic components can be easier to recycle, plastic can be tricky due to the size, and make-up of the components, which is why toys are not accepted in council recycling programs. Unfortunately, most toys end up in landfill,” he said.

He said that MGA Entertainment, the world’s largest and fastest growing privately held toy company, is a good example of a company leading its industry in Australia by encouraging parents and children to learn about the importance of keeping plastic out of the environment through the new L.O.L. Surprise™ and TerraCycle recycling program.

The company partnered with TerraCycle earlier this year specifically to eliminate any concerns about its product recyclability and the program is now open to all fans in Australia.

“We know our L.O.L. Surprise fans care about the environment, which is why we were keen to offer a free recycling service for the brand’s packaging, accessories and products,” Managing Director at MGA Entertainment Australia, Sapienza Salerno, said.

Mr Bailliard also said showing children how the earth has benefitted from less waste during COVID provided a good way to reinforce the recycling message.

To participate in the free L.O.L. Surprise™ recycling program, re-use any box to collect L.O.L. recycling, then sign up to the L.O.L. recycling program. There you will find more information about the program and be able to download a free shipping label to attach to your box.

When TerraCycle receives the shipments, the materials are melted down and used to make new products.

Collectors in the program also receive TerraCycle points if they meet minimum shipment requirements, which can be converted into a donation to the charity of their choice.

This media release was submitted by TerraCycle.

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Cover image via cottonbro.