Retail chain targets toy waste

BIG W has launched a toy recycling program aimed at reducing the number of items ending up in landfill each year.

The Bendigo store is one of two in the state included in the rollout of the Toys for Joy initiative, developed in partnership with waste management company TerraCycle.

Young ones and their mums and dads can drop their pre-loved goods to specially marked recycling stations at the Bendigo Marketplace store to then be repurposed into new play equipment.

The program was tested earlier this year and produced promising results, according to local area manager of Big W Victoria Angelo Marcellino.

“Our stores involved in the initial pilot program delivered over 3500 kilograms to TerraCycle for recycling,” he said.

“These results from the trial were incredibly encouraging and I can’t wait to see what our communities achieve together as we bring Toys for Joy to more families across Australia.”

The initiative is geared towards extending the life cycle of toys as children grow up and move on from their favourite possessions.

General manager of TerraCycle Australia, Jean Bailliard, said it wasn’t uncommon for these items to make their way into the ground.

“The majority of toys aren’t kerbside recyclable and end up in landfill because they’re made up of complex materials like metal, rubber and a variety of plastics,” he said.

“It’s incredible to see Big W take on the recycling for all brands of toys and they have now expanded their program to 41 stores to make it even more accessible for Australians.”

Some items, however, can’t be accepted like play dough, wooden toys, boardgames, or oversized toys.

The retail chain is aiming to get the program up and running in all their Australian stores by the end of next year.