Establishing a Toy Recycling and Sharing System

The average lifespan of a toy in a regular household is about 6 months. Since toys are made of composite materials, it is difficult to recycle them through general recycling channels, and the environment will suffer greatly if toys are disposed of in incinerators or landfills. The Taiwan Toy Library Association tackles this issue by implementing a structured recycling process: screening, sorting, testing, cleaning, and packaging used toys. They then redistribute suitable teaching aids and toys to social welfare organizations, hospitals, schools, and other educational and service institutions in need.

Delivering suitable teaching aids and toys to organizations

The Taiwan Toy Library Association provides consultation and guidance for organizations and delivers suitable teaching aids and toys based on the goals and objectives of each organization to help them improve service effectiveness.

At the same time, the association has established an information management system, using functions such as selecting, recording and automatic book creation to accelerate the matchmaking of supply and demand, and ensure that suitable toys can get to where they are needed.

Cultivating a mindset of sharing and cherishing in children

Members of the Taiwan Toy Library Association can make an online reservation to exchange toys that are no longer used but in good condition with toys from the association. Or by making a reservation and paying a deposit, members can use the toys of the Taiwan Toy Library Association for 2 weeks. The Taiwan Toy Library Association hopes to reduce how often families purchase toys through this model.

The association also offers a “Toy Medical School” as well as handicraft courses, play activities, exchange and rental services, toy markets, etc., to provide parents, children, and corporate volunteers with learning, cherishing, and sharing opportunities.

▪ Sets up 10 toy logistics centers and 170 toy recycling stations, with like-minded organizations across the country.

▪ In 2023, the total recycling volume reached 98,123 kg, providing 86,761 toys.