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Safe Disposal of Lead Contaminated Toys
August 22, 2007

Posted by CindyC in : For Kids , trackback

The recent toy recalls from Mattel have created much anxiety and fear among parents, me included. It makes me shudder to think that I may have purchased a potentially harmful or toxic toy for my child and my first reaction is “how do I get rid of it?” Although the urge of throwing these recalled toys in the trash is understandable, experts are warning parents against hasty disposal. Since these toys are potentially lead-tainted, sending them to landfills may cause environmental harm; these toys need to be treated like hazardous waste. Experts strongly urge parents to use one of these safe disposal methods to protect children and the environment.

–Mattel’s recall program is offering a free voucher for the exchange of the toys in question. Consumers can print a free prepaid label to mail back the items, which Mattel will dispose of safely.
– You can always leave the toys (or make a drop-off appointment) at your local household hazardous waste collection site. The centers will treat and process the toys like toxic substances.
– Several Bay Area cities have set up lead toy drop-off centers where parents can leave recalled toys or even toys that they no longer feel comfortable having. The current list* includes:

Alameda:
Starbucks Coffee
700 Atlantic Ave.
Emeryville:
Children’s Development Center
1220 53rd St.
Fremont:
Alameda County Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd.
Hayward:
Main Library
835 C St.
Oakland:
Temescal Branch Library
5205 Telegraph Ave.
Prescott Joseph Center
920 Peralta St.
Eastmont Wellness Clinic
7200 Bancroft Ave.
Oakland Fire Department
98th Ave at International Blvd.
Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
2000 Embarcadero St. Suite 300