More and more of you are adopting new habits when it comes to disposing of household items. To ensure that these good practices remain risk-free, a few precautions are necessary to avoid toy sorting errors. Good sorting means recycling, but it also means avoiding accidents.
Sorting for safe recycling
Adopting the sorting reflex is a valuable gesture for the environment. However, some toy sorting errors can have unexpected consequences, including fires in the recycling chain. Here are a few practical tips to help you avoid such incidents, while contributing to efficient sorting.
1. Beware of batteries and electronic items
Batteries are the number one cause of fire on collection lines. No electrical or electronic object - interactive toy, game console, remote-controlled car, etc. - should be deposited in an Ecomaison collection point. - should be deposited in an Ecomaison collection point.
- These objects, when exposed to impact or heat, can become hot and catch fire.
- Even without batteries, the electronic components they contain require special treatment, due to their toxicity and complexity.
Where to drop them off?
You can drop these items off at a collection point for electrical and electronic items:
- Food superstores
- Household appliance stores and toy store reception desks
- Zones dedicated to electrical appliances at waste collection centers
Find out more on the websites of the Ecologic and ecosystem eco-organizations.
2. The first act of sorting: the key to recycling!
By dropping off your toys at the right collection points, you give them a new lease on life.
But for them to be properly recycled, your first act of sorting is essential.
Battery-operated toys must be sorted from the outset and deposited in electrical appliance terminals for depollution and recycling.
It's a small gesture, but it allows all the other toys in the chain to be saved without risk.
- What is this processing chain? Watch this video which explains what happens to the toy once it has been deposited in the Ecomaison terminal.
- Not sure what to do? Consult the notices or ask for advice from a waste disposal worker or store employee.
- For greater clarity, use Ecomaison's online tool to identify suitable collection points: Link to the search tool.
3. The consequences of a fire
A fire in a collection line can cause :
- Safety risks for collection operatives.
- Irreparable loss of collected items, rendered unusable by fire or water.
- Immobilization of sorting infrastructures, leading to delays in recycling and major logistical losses.
4. The right thing to do is to share information
Adopting good practices means protecting both people and the recycling chain. Don't forget to talk about it with your friends and family, so that they too can be made aware of the issue. With a few precautions, recycling remains a safe and responsible act for everyone!
