Toys often have long lifespans, with many remaining in the home for over ten years. Growing second-hand markets, supported by online platforms, charity shops, and community initiatives have made reuse and resale easier than ever, contributing to a steadily expanding UK second-hand sector.
When toys reach the end of their usable life, however, repair and recycling options are often limited. This is largely due to safety requirements, the variety of toy types, and their complex mix of materials. As part of a project with the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), Beyondly partnered with LARAC to improve understanding of how toys are managed within the waste system.
Given that smaller toys are typically disposed of via kerbside residual waste, the survey focused on Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). LARAC members were surveyed in 2025 to understand how toys are identified and managed at HWRCs, which waste streams they appear in, and the key challenges associated with recovery and reuse.
Key findings
As expected, toys are commonly found in mixed waste streams, with 79% of respondents identifying toys in this category. However, there is clear opportunity with 64% of local authorities (LAs) reported that toys are also present in rigid plastics collections.
Reuse opportunities are already emerging. Half of the LAs surveyed reported having separate collections for reusable toys, although many noted this is highly dependent on-site layout and available space. Where reuse is in place, partnerships with charities play a key role in facilitating resale and redistribution.
Less than 10% of LAs currently provide separate collections for toys for recycling. Respondents identified several barriers to this, including limited space at HWRCs, a lack of established end markets and the complex material composition of toys. As a result, reuse is often prioritised where toys are segregated.
Consumer guidance and reuse routes
Over half of LAs provide guidance to residents on managing toy waste, using a range of approaches:
- Information on council websites
- Onsite signage and staff advice
- Leaflets accompanying household waste communications
- Reuse cafés and reuse-focused campaigns
- Donation events for both used and broken toys
- Seasonal promotions, particularly around Christmas and spring clear-outs
Despite this, fewer than 50% of LAs reported that toys are routinely assessed for reuse onsite before disposal. Where reuse does occur, it is often dependent on staff capacity and engagement. For toys deemed reusable, 61% are sold through reuse shops while 18% are donated to charities. Other routes identified by LAs included car boot sales, online platforms, and market stalls.
What would help improve outcomes?
When asked what would most improve toy reuse and recycling, almost 75% of LAs identified increased funding for infrastructure upgrades as the most impactful action. Respondents also highlighted:
- Stronger partnerships with charities and reuse organisations
- The potential value of a local or national toy recycling scheme
Further opportunities can also be seen in the graph below.
Looking ahead
The survey provides valuable insight into how toys currently flow through HWRCs and where recovery could be improved, with reuse remaining the most viable option in many cases. Schemes such as Wastebuster’s Recycle to Read, currently piloted with Tesco through in-store plastic toy collections, demonstrate how producer-funded approaches could support greater recovery. There may be opportunities to extend such schemes to HWRCs through small, targeted collection points. However, continued emphasis on reuse and repair, supported by collaboration between local authorities, producers, and organisations such as BTHA, is likely to deliver the greatest benefits.
To speak to our Beyondly about bespoke research projects, visit our website to get in touch.
References:
BTHA HWRC Toy Survey Summary - January 2025
Toy Reuse Research 2019 - https://www.btha.co.uk/download/toy-reuse-research-2019/
Toy Reuse Parent Survey 2024
https://corporate.recycletoread.org/
