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Out With the Old

Ways to Recycle Toys

By Crystal Patriarche

or teenagers. This is still a good "recycling" opportunity if your child receives a duplicate gift. Other organizations such as the Salvation Army, shelters or community centers accept gently-used items.

"We trade with other families for a couple of months or so – it's a great idea if you have someone to swap with," says Ivy Pressendo, a Phoenix, Ariz., mother. "When we get them back, we have a renewed interest in the ones we gave away for a while."

"One cool recycling thing we do is use her baby clothes that she wore for her baby dolls," says Cox of her daughter. "Things like the onesies, burp cloths and receiving blankets or things you can't use any more make good doll accessories."

Cox says that she saves first-time toys or favorite toys for when her daughter is older and has children of her own. "We just put them in big plastic bins with lids and throw them in the basement so she will have those special items," she says.

As the toys keep accumulating in your household – exponentially it seems – keep the toy box or play room under control by sorting through them and picking a recycling option or two that works best for your family.

Want to see more?

• No, It Doesn't Walk, Talk or Light Up
• On the Fast Track: The Appeal of Wooden Train Play
• Not All Play: Some Toys Really Are Good for Kids
• Bag It! Keep Organized by Carrying Only What You Need
• Talk about it!

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