Kids come with a lot of stuff. Plastic dinosaurs, flashing gadgets, noisy keyboards, dolls that sing, and who knows what else. But when toys break, batteries die, or your kids simply grow out of them, parents are left wondering, “what now?”
Most toys can’t go in the yellow bin. And chucking them in the red bin? That just means landfill.
Here’s what you can do instead to clear the clutter and keep your old stuff out of landfill.
1. Drop Them at Big W
The Toys for Joy program accepts broken and unwanted toys at Big W stores. They’ll take plastic, metal, electronic and plush toys (but not wood, books, bikes or scooters). Just take out any batteries first—those need to go to Bunnings or Aldi.
2. Recycle Electronic Toys
If a toy has lights, sounds or a circuit board, electronic recycling companies take electric and electronic plastic and metal toys that need a cord or batteries.
Some recycling companies try to reuse or repair what they can. If not, they safely dismantle and recycle the parts.
Note: They don’t take plush, wood or fabric toys, but if you can remove the electronics inside, those parts can be recycled. Household batteries also need to go to Bunnings or Aldi.
3. Donate the Good Stuff
Still in decent shape? Your child’s unwanted toy could make someone else’s day. Make sure you clean and test it before passing it on. Check first before dropping by to make sure they can take it. Places that take old toys include:
- Charity Op shops like Salvos or Vinnies
- Toy libraries
- Childcare centres or playgroups
4. Get Creative
For toys that are too far gone to donate:
- Craft projects: Turn old pieces into decorations, plant markers or keychains.
- Memory boxes: Use all or part of that once special toy your child’s outgrown.
- Toy swaps: Organise one with friends or your mother’s group.
- Disassemble: Remove metal, batteries or hard plastic for separate recycling.
- Local theatre company: Some need toys for props—working or not.
5. Shop Smarter
Switch to better-quality or more sustainable toys next time you go shopping. It helps avoid the cycle altogether:
- Say no to single-use plastic junk.
- Look for toys made from wood, metal or recycled materials.
- Support brands that offer repair or recycling options.
6. Teach Your Kids Along the Way
This is a great chance for your children to learn about sustainability:
- Let them help choose what to donate
- Explain how recycling works (and what can’t be recycled)
- Turn it into a creative project or weekend mission
- Show them where their toys are going
Small Actions, Big Impact
Recycling kids’ toys isn’t always easy—but it’s worth it. With a little effort, we can declutter the toy box and teach our kids about responsibility, reuse and looking after the planet.
Lisa and Adrian Saunders are parents who get it. Their social enterprises have been making it easy for parents to do the right thing since 2019 by providing free and ethical electronics pick up and recycling to homes, workplaces, schools and government. Whirl operates in the Northern Beaches and greater Sydney metro area. www.whirlrecycling.com