Old toys can accumulate quickly, especially after birthdays, holidays, or as children outgrow their favourites. But when it comes time to let go, getting rid of old toys isn’t as simple as tossing them in the bin. Many toys are made from mixed materials, including hard plastics, fabrics, or electronics, which complicate recycling. Here, we share the best ways to dispose of old toys responsibly, helping you reduce waste and support sustainable practices across Ireland.
1. Donate Usable Toys to Charities or Schools
If your old toys are still in good condition, donating them can be a fantastic way to give them a new lease of life. Many charities, schools, and community groups, as well as parish Christmas fairs, welcome gently used toys that are clean, safe, and complete with all parts. For example, organisations like St. Vincent de Paul & Children in Hospital often accept second-hand toys, especially around Christmas when families in need may require extra support. Decluttering before Santa arrives is not only practical but also an opportunity to spread holiday joy by giving to those who can benefit from your unused toys.
Tip: Be sure to call ahead and confirm that the organisation or Christmas fair accepts the specific toys you have, as some may have restrictions due to safety or hygiene requirements. Donating toys reduces waste and helps build a more sustainable community while bringing happiness to children during the Christmas season.
2. Sell or Give Away Toys Locally
If you have toys in excellent condition, you might consider selling them or giving them away within your local community. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, DoneDeal, and Adverts.ie provide a simple way to connect with families seeking affordable, pre-loved toys. This option not only keeps usable items out of landfills but can also be a cost-effective solution for families.
Tip: Bundle toys with similar themes or group them in sets (like a collection of building blocks or a group of board games) to make them more appealing to potential buyers. If you’re not looking to sell, simply giving the toys away through online groups or community boards is a great option.
3. Upcycle or Repurpose Toys
For toys that may not be suitable for donation but are still in usable condition, upcycling or repurposing can give them a creative new purpose. Many materials in toys, such as plastic and wood, can be transformed into something fun and functional. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Craft Projects: Use small toy figures, building blocks, or game pieces in craft projects, making them part of unique artwork, custom decor, or even jewellery.
Storage Ideas: Larger items like dollhouses or toy boxes can be transformed into creative storage for small household items, stationery, or even plants.
Outdoor Games: Broken toy parts or old playsets can sometimes be repurposed for outdoor games or DIY garden projects.
By upcycling toys, you’re helping to reduce plastic waste while fostering creativity and making something original.
4. Recycle Toys That Can’t Be Donated or Reused
Recycling toys can be challenging since many are made from hard plastics or mixed materials, which aren’t always accepted in standard recycling streams. However, there are options available in Ireland to ensure that certain components are recycled responsibly.
Hard Plastic Toys
If a toy is made from a single type of hard plastic, it may be recyclable through select recycling centres. Contact your local recycling facility to find out if they accept hard plastic items, as availability varies across regions. KeyGreen also offers guidance on how to manage recyclable materials, especially items that fall outside the scope of general recycling.
Electronic Toys
Electronic toys, which include battery-powered or digital components, require special disposal steps. Start by removing any batteries, which should be disposed of separately at a battery recycling point. Then, check if the toy can be recycled at an e-waste facility. For more detailed guidance, refer to our electronic waste recycling guide, which outlines safe ways to dispose of e-waste in Ireland.
5. Dispose of Non-Recyclable Toys Carefully
Unfortunately, some toys simply cannot be recycled due to mixed materials, excessive wear, or hazardous components. In such cases, responsible disposal is key to minimising environmental impact. Here are a few steps to consider when disposing of non-recyclable toys:
Disassemble Large Toys: Breaking down large or bulky toys makes disposal easier and ensures that smaller parts don’t contribute to litter or environmental pollution.
Avoid Putting Toys in Regular Recycling Bins: Mixed-material toys aren’t typically accepted in regular recycling, as they can disrupt the recycling process. Always confirm with your waste management provider if you’re unsure.
Place Non-Recyclables in General Waste: While this should be a last resort, placing non-recyclable toys in the general waste bin may be the only option for certain items. Minimising the volume and disposing of them properly helps reduce the waste stream’s impact on local landfills.
To help cut down on waste from the start, consider choosing eco-friendly, durable toys in the future that can be passed down or recycled with ease, supporting long-term efforts to reduce waste.
Give Old Toys a New Life with KeyGreen
Disposing of old toys responsibly helps protect the environment, conserves resources, and supports sustainability efforts. At KeyGreen, we’re dedicated to providing waste management that encourages eco-friendly disposal and recycling practices. Whether you’re decluttering before the holiday season or just looking to reduce household waste, our team can help you make responsible choices for toy disposal and beyond.
If you have questions about recycling or waste management, or if you’re ready to get started with our eco-friendly disposal services, contact KeyGreen today. Let’s work together to keep Ireland’s environment clean, green, and free of unnecessary waste.