Rhode Island-Based Hasbro Starts Toy Recycling Program

PAWTUCKET, RI — Rhode Island-based Hasbro this week announced a national toy recycling program that will turn old playthings into park benches and flower pots, among other items. The company teamed up with New Jersey-based TerraCycle for the pilot program. Consumers must register for the program online (the signup link can be found below). Hasbro will then send a free shipping label for the toys to be boxed up and mailed to TerraCycle.

Company officials said they were inspired to start the program in connection with Earth Day this Sunday.

“As a company, we know consumers share our commitment to taking care of our planet for future generations, and we see this as an exciting step in our sustainability journey," Hasbro President John Frascotti said in a statement.

Accepted items include board games, dolls, action figures and plush toys. Hasbro said the program is offered for Hasbro-branded toys but if consumers are unsure they can send the toys in anyway.

"We are proud to partner with the passionate team at Hasbro to offer consumers a simple, sustainable solution for recycling their well-loved toys and games,” TerraCycle CEO Tom Szaky said in a statement.

Hasbro is based in Pawtucket.

• Hasbro Toy Recycling Pilot Program signup

The company provided this list of accepted items:

• Board games
• Plush toys
• Electronic toys, games
• Action figures
• Dolls
• Plastic/wood/metal toys, games

Photo credit: Ashley Ludwig/Patch