Toys and recycling

Parents can feel pressured or guilted into buying excessive amounts of toys, yet so many end up barely being used and ultimately ending up as landfill, causing major environmental problems.

There are only so many toys a child needs, in fact research shows that the fewer toys a child has, the more time they’ll spend playing with them.

Think back to your childhood and your best memories. Chances are they don’t involve being surrounded by copious amounts of shiny new toys, but rather just one or two trusty favourites as well as time spent with loved ones enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

So you don’t need to spend a packet trying to keep up with others, there are so many smarter and cheaper ways to help keep your kids entertained.

We've put together our top tips.

Toy libraries are gold!

Our best tip for parents of young children is to get a toy library membership.

You’ll find your closest toy library at your local children’s centre or maternal and child health centre.

For a small membership fee (around $50 a year) you can have access to a huge range of toys for all ages and interests that you can borrow and return as you please.

Toy libraries keep your toys fresh and interesting, saving your hip pocket and the environment. Everyone’s a winner here.

A toy library membership also makes a fantastic baby or children’s present. It’s a gift that keeps on giving!

Mix it up: toy rotations and swaps

We all know kids' eyes light up when there’s something new in the room and they’re immediately drawn to it. By regularly rotating your toys you’ll have them thinking what’s old is new.

Place several toys in a box, bringing out just one box at a time, then swap them over when interest levels wane.

You can take this to the next level, by regularly swapping a box of toys with friends.

Steer clear of cheap plastic toys

They’re cheap to buy - only a dollar or two in many cases – designed to easily tempt you into caving in. But you know exactly how it goes; kids play with them for a few minutes – or in some cases mere seconds – and then they clutter up the house before ending up as landfill.

Avoid cheap plastic toys if you can, and certainly don’t feel any pressure to include them in lolly bags.

Buy secondhand and save

You don’t need to buy toys brand new. Kids don’t care. Online sites like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are fantastic for finding all sorts of pre-loved treasures like bikes, trucks, play kitchens and doll houses for a fraction of the retail price.

The toys will be equally loved the second time around, and there’s a lot of satisfaction in snagging a bargain and playing your part in saving the earth’s precious resources.

Give experiences instead of gifts

This Christmas, think about giving experiences instead of toys. Zoo passes, water park/play centre sessions and movie tickets all make great gifts that kids will love.

Best of all there’s no waste involved so no bins full of unnecessary plastic packaging. Instead, you’re creating experiences – and special memories.

One in, one out rule

Once you’ve completed your toy declutter, avoid the temptation to hit up the shops again.

For every toy that comes into your home, consider getting rid of another by giving it second life. Op shops or charity groups like Our Village (formerly Geelong Mums) accept specific toys, otherwise give them to friends or post them online.

Recycling toys

Toys are not accepted in your kerbside recycling bin. Many toys without batteries can be recycled through retailer Big W's Toys for Joy program - find out if your toys are eligible. Otherwise place them in your red top waste bin.

Toys with batteries are classified as e waste and cannot be placed in any kerbside bin. They can be dropped off for free at either Drysdale or Geelong Resource Recovery Centres.