The LEGO Group has been leading the charge toward making toys that are both eco-friendly and sustainable, and now they’re taking a novel approach to “recycling” bricks without recycling them at all.
LEGO Replay is a pilot program designed to accept previously used LEGO bricks that will be donated to children’s nonprofits across the U.S. The program is being launched in collaboration with Give Back Box, Teach For America, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston.
“We know people don’t throw away their LEGO bricks,” says Tim Brooks, VP, environmental responsibility at the LEGO Group. “The vast majority hand them down to their children or grandchildren. But others have asked us for a safe way to dispose of or to donate their bricks. With Replay, they have an easy option that’s both sustainable and socially impactful.”
To participate, the process if very simple. Those wishing to donate LEGO bricks, sets, or elements just have to place them into a cardboard box and print a free UPS shipping label from the LEGO Replay site. Once the package arrives at a Give Back Box facility, the LEGO bricks will be sorted and inspected by hand, and given a rigorous cleaning.
The various nonprofits are expected to receive their first shipments this spring. Following the conclusion of the pilot program next spring, the LEGO Group will explore the possibilities for expansion.