Thousands of broken toys recycled in time for Santa

Louise Walsh

Thousands of broken toys have been taken to recycling centres in Meath to make room for Santa in a free week-long recycling event in Meath.

At least seven large roll-on roll-off skips of toys including trampolines, ride-on tractors, bikes, teddy bears, dolls houses, swings and toy soldiers are expected to be filled when the event across four centres in Trim, Kells, Navan and Dunboyne ends on Saturday.

The move is to free up space in the house for new toys brought by Santa in a few weeks time.

"It's a great way to get rid of unwanted or broken toys which have been lying around the house," said Meath Co. Council's Environmental Officer Bernadine Carry.

"We've been running the event for a few years now and normally fill over seven large skips by the end of the week.

"We have seen it all. Every toy, big and small. Board games, figures, bicycles, dolls, everything. Toys which aren't used anymore but are being kept for sentimental reasons that few remember.

"It's also a perfect time to clear space for when Santa brings more new things next month.

"Any materials that can be recovered such as wood, textiles, metal etc will be recovered and the remainder will be disposed of.

"All electronic and electrical toys like old play stations and consoles will be processed through the WEEE Ireland scheme."

However Bernadine urged people to check their toys before dumping them.

"If they are in perfectly good working order, offer them to the local charity shops first as they may be perfect for resale."

A €2 gate charge per car applies and the event finishes at 4pm on Saturday in Navan, Trim and Kells and 1pm in Dunboyne.

Queries to environment@meathcoco.ie