Plastic Pollution and Playtime: How much plastic waste is generated by toys globally every year

The Environmental Impact of Plastic Toy Waste: What is the Global cost of toy waste on the environment?

Plastic toys have become a significant environmental burden, generating millions of tonnes of waste each year. Globally, an estimated 90% of toys are made from plastic, and many of these are single-use or not designed to last, leading to massive quantities ending up in landfills. Shockingly, in the United States alone, around 80% of toys are destined for landfills, incineration, or oceans after a short lifespan. This translates to millions of discarded toys contributing to the 22 million tonnes of plastic entering our environment annually, with plastic toys playing a substantial role in this figure.

How Many Toys Are Thrown Away Each Year?

Children in Western countries have 18 kilos (39.6 lbs) on average of plastic toys per child.

Each year, millions of plastic toys are discarded, with an estimated 80% of all plastic toys ending up in landfills or incinerated shortly after purchase​.

In fact, the average family disposes of roughly 32 kilograms (about 70 pounds) of toys annually, contributing significantly to global plastic waste. This cycle of purchasing, short-term use, and disposal has created a substantial environmental impact, as toys typically combine various plastics, often with metal and electronic components, which makes them difficult to recycle. Plastic toy waste not only adds to the landfill crisis but also leads to pollution in natural environments as plastics break down, releasing microplastics and harmful chemicals into soil and water sources​

Lets look at some key players. What is the Impact of plastic toy waste by companies like LEGO and Mattel?

We all love LEGO, But How much plastic waste does LEGO produce each year? 

LEGO uses 90,000 tonnes of plastic in its products each year. In, LEGO's total 2020 carbon emissions were 1, 777, 123 tonnes. 98% of this came from emissions associated with extracting and processing materials.

Each year, a staggering 60 million Barbie dolls are sold, generating carbon emissions equivalent to burning 381 million gallons of gasoline. This significant environmental impact underscores the importance of re-evaluating toy choices, especially as consumers become increasingly aware of the ecological footprint of plastic toys

Comparing toy manufacturers’ efforts to reduce plastic waste

Toys are also notoriously challenging to recycle. With many toys incorporating multiple plastic types or additional materials like batteries and fabric, recycling facilities struggle to process them, further increasing waste.

Mattel, the maker of Barbie, Fisher-Price, and Hot Wheels aims to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic materials in its products and packaging by 2030.

LEGO had good intentions with a goal to move entirely to sustainable materials. However, after the realisation that this transition would increase their emissions, they have set a target to reduce their emissions by 37% by 2032.

HASBRO, the maker of Transformers, Monopoly, Nerf Guns and Pepper Pig have introduced a recycling program and claim to have released more sustainable versions of some of their toys such as 'Peppa Pig Play House and Mr Potato Head.

Major companies have started initiatives to use recycled or sustainable materials in their products, and some brands have pivoted to recyclable or modular designs to encourage longevity. Although this addresses some aspects of plastic waste and sustainability, the scale of the plastic toy waste problem continues to outpace these sustainable efforts.

As we have seen with LEGO, sometimes marketing a toy as using sustainable materials doesn't actually mean that the toy is sustainable or better for the environment. It is up to parents and consumers to make better options based on real knowledge rather marketing claims. 

Does Sustainability Really Mean Sustainable? Are we being Greenwashed?

The demand for sustainability and going green is increasing. Companies need to keep up with the demand of the consumers to ensure they continue to make money. But are their claims of being sustainable and true valid? Or are they simply a marketing technique?

Greenwashing is the term used when companies make people believe they are doing more for the environment than it usually is. It is a form of marketing deception and gaslighting. 

Even though parents know plastic toys are not a good choice for the environment and can be toxic and harmful for their kids, buzzwords such as "sustainable", "ethical", "green", "eco-friendly", "recycled plastic" have been concreted into the psyche of consumers to make them feel better about their purchases.

Although a company may be using recycled plastic, as an example, the pollution associated with that is still high if not higher than before (as we saw with LEGO). When that toy is broken or thrown out, the problem of plastic landfill still persists. 

How can you ensure you are not being Greenwashed?

Eco-Friendly Claims can be mis-leading. Big companies often rely on parents buying toys as an emotional purchase. Something that will make their child happy for now.  Greenwashing and Sustainability buzzwords helps them to make the sales because it is guilt free.  

It is up to consumers to make conscious choices and go with what they know to be true. To trust their gut and really take the time to find true quality and sustainable toys that will be played with for years without adding to the plastic landfill problem. 

Often this means looking for smaller and more traditional toy manufacturers and investing on quality and craftmanship over being pulled in by flashy advertising that is saturated by big toy companies with millions of marketing dollars. 

Head to markets, find small businesses and hobby toy makers. This way you will not only find toys that are good for the environment, but you will also find toys that are built to last and made to be loved for generations. 

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Toys: Statistics on the Shift Towards Sustainable Playthings

As environmental concerns grow, parents are increasingly turning to eco-friendly toys to reduce plastic waste and encourage sustainable habits from an early age. In the past five years alone, the global market for sustainable toys has grown by more than 10% annually, and wooden toys now account for over 20% of all toy sales in certain regions, including parts of Europe and North America. This surge reflects a shift toward heirloom-quality wooden toys that last generations, rather than plastic toys that end up in landfills.

Statistics show that up to 80% of plastic toys are eventually discarded within a year of purchase, contributing to millions of tons of waste annually. In contrast, heirloom wooden toys are designed for durability and often passed down from child to child, reducing both waste and the need for repeated purchases. In a recent survey, 65% of parents indicated they would choose sustainable wooden toys over plastic alternatives if they knew the toys were safer, longer-lasting, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, searches for “non-toxic wooden toys for toddlers” and “eco-friendly wooden blocks” have doubled in the past year, suggesting a growing intent among parents to make greener choices.

Parents are smart people and are making better choices in buying heirloom and sustainable toys, with 58% caring most when it comes to sustainability and purchasing products is durability. 

Switching to heirloom wooden toys offers more than just environmental benefits. These toys are often crafted with natural, non-toxic finishes and encourage creative, open-ended play, which studies have shown to be beneficial for a child’s cognitive development. By choosing sustainable toys, parents not only invest in their children’s safety and well-being but also contribute to a healthier planet. Eco-friendly brands are responding to this demand, with many pledging to use only responsibly sourced wood and biodegradable packaging, making sustainable toy choices more accessible than ever.

Why choose sustainable wooden toys over plastic toys?

The environmental toll of plastic toys is a compelling reason to shift toward sustainable, long-lasting alternatives, such as wooden toys, which offer durability and are biodegradable. Wooden toys, especially heirloom-quality pieces, are designed to last across generations, making them an eco-friendly option that reduces overall waste. As consumer awareness grows around the wasteful cycle of plastic toy production, many families are turning to durable, responsibly-sourced materials that support eco-conscious habits and lessen the impact on the planet.

Parents can help by considering eco-friendly, durable, or heirloom-quality toys that reduce demand for short-lived plastic toys. Heirloom wooden toys, for instance, offer a non-toxic, sustainable alternative that can be reused or passed down, encouraging more meaningful and long-lasting play. Shifting to these alternatives could dramatically cut down on the millions of tonnes of plastic waste generated by toys each year. This simple switch could help reduce the plastic footprint and offer a healthier play environment for children.

Buying Quality, Sustainable Toys is cheaper in the long run when you consider not only the environmental cost; but the longevity, durability and luxury of heirloom and handmade wooden toys over mass produced toys. 

Studies on plastic toy waste and pollution impact

For more insights into toy waste and why choosing sustainable toys and their environmental benefits is a better choice, you can find further data and guidance on sustainable toy production from sources like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and News Decoder. For child Friendly studies about toy waste and plastic pollution head to National Geographic