Recycling plastic lawn furniture and playground toys can be difficult, but with a little effort, you can dispose of these items responsibly. While many recycling programs accept a variety of plastics, items like lawn chairs, tables, and children’s play sets often present special challenges due to their size, shape, and the type of plastic used in the product.
Why is it difficult to recycle plastic furniture and toys?
Plastic lawn furniture and playground toys are typically made of tough, durable plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE, also known as #2 plastic) or polypropylene (PP or #5 plastic). While these materials are recyclable, their large size and irregular shape can present challenges for standard recycling machines. Local curbside recycling programs and collection centers may not accept these bulky items because they do not fit into sorting machines or require more handling and processing than smaller plastic items such as bottles and containers. These restrictions often leave consumers wondering what to do with their old outdoor furniture and toys.
Additionally, these items may contain metal parts, screws or other components that must be removed before recycling.
Local recycling centers and special collection events
If the manufacturer of your plastic furniture or toys does not offer a take-back program (they are not currently active in taking back or recycling), check with your local recycling center to see if they accept large plastic items. Visit the Earth911 Recycling Locator and enter your zip code to find locations that accept #2 or #5 rigid plastics, and call ahead to ask about your furniture and toys.
Some facilities may have specific days or special collection events for large plastic items. You may also want to contact your local waste management service to see if they offer bulky recycling collection or if they can direct you to a nearby facility.
Recycle and Donate
Before you recycle, consider whether you can recycle or donate your old furniture or toys. Many items can find a second life with a new owner. Websites like: Freecycle, Don’t buy anything, craigslistand Facebook Marketplace It’s a great platform for donating items. Local schools, daycares, or community centers may also be interested in receiving gently used playground equipment or furniture.
Recycling plastic lawn furniture and playground toys can be more complicated than just throwing them in the curbside bin, but there are options to keep them out of the landfill. Whether you take advantage of manufacturer take-back programs, special recycling events, or find new homes for these items, you can make a positive impact on the environment. But what’s needed now is a nationwide effort to collect large plastic items for recycling. Talk to your local agency or solid waste management office about recycling policies and how you can get involved in collecting and processing plastics. There may be local business opportunities based on these currently wasted materials. Sell for hundreds of dollars a ton collected.
For more information on recycling and sustainable living, visit Earth911.com. Let’s work together to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. By following these tips, you can responsibly dispose of old plastic lawn furniture and playground toys, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
