What's beeping and flashing in the Easter nest? - What parents should know about electronic toys

What could be better than children's eyes lighting up when there are new toys in the Easter nest! Remote-controlled cars, interactive learning books, talking dolls and cuddly toys are particularly popular. What parents often don't know: All these toys contain a rechargeable battery or a battery. If such electric toys are disposed of incorrectly, this can be dangerous. The worst case scenario is a fire.

Many parents do not know that remote-controlled cars, toy robots, Tiptoi pens, talking animals or dolls are electrical appliances and must be disposed of properly. The rechargeable batteries they contain are usually tiny or the batteries are so well installed that they are invisible to the naked eye. This is precisely why caution is required: If a battery is damaged or crushed in the garbage or in the garbage collection, a short circuit can occur which, in the worst case, can lead to a fire. This can release toxic gases into the environment and endanger people and nature. Swiss waste disposal companies have been reporting an increasing number of such incidents for years. The cause is usually lithium-ion batteries disposed of incorrectly due to ignorance or carelessness.

SENS eRecycling, which is responsible for the disposal of electronic household appliances and toys throughout Switzerland, has therefore compiled a simple overview that explains to parents and children how to recognize electronic toys.

Recycle correctly for greater safety and the environment

It is best to remove batteries or rechargeable batteries from the casing before disposing of toys. This is because they belong in the separate battery collection. If the batteries are difficult to remove or are permanently installed, they can remain in the toy and be disposed of together. However, the empty housings of toys from which the battery or rechargeable battery has been removed are also considered electrical appliances and must not be disposed of in household waste. Instead, they belong in electrical appliance recycling. This is because, like the batteries or rechargeable batteries, the housings also contain valuable raw materials, including copper or aluminum, but also plastics and other valuable materials. In the recycling process, all these valuable materials are cleanly broken down into their individual parts, reprocessed and returned to the raw materials cycle as secondary raw materials. Any harmful substances are also safely removed and rendered harmless during the recycling process. By disposing of them correctly, parents protect themselves and their children as well as the environment from any toxins or fires and at the same time strengthen the Swiss circular economy. Recycling is definitely worthwhile - no matter how small the toys are!

Recycling is so easy

The return of electrical or electronic devices is free of charge in Switzerland. Disused or defective toys can be disposed of at over 630 SENS collection points or returned directly to a toy retailer. Regardless of whether they were purchased there or not. This is because all retailers in Switzerland are required by law to dispose of used appliances properly. The Electro Recycling Bag is now also available for smaller appliances: it can be conveniently ordered for home delivery for CHF 5 on the SENS eRecycling website. It has space for 10 kg. Once the bag is full, it can be placed in the letterbox, where it will be collected free of charge by the post office. This makes recycling an uncomplicated and safe process.