TL;DR
A MadeForMums report says searches for squishy toys have risen sharply, while many squishies are made from materials that household recycling collections do not typically accept. Waste expert John Verity recommends selective buying and reusing toys in good condition; local disposal options vary.
Squishy toys are drawing growing interest, but many are made from materials that are not typically accepted in household recycling, according to a MadeForMums report. Waste management expert John Verity of Divert.co.uk says families can reduce unnecessary waste by buying selectively, caring for toys and reusing those still in good condition.
The report says Google searches for squishy toys rose by 400% in the past year. Searches for “squishy dumpling” increased by 3,550%, while searches for “squishy butter” rose by 4,300%, according to Google Trends data cited by MadeForMums. The report does not provide the underlying search counts or a fuller description of the comparison method.
Squishies are soft, flexible toys that regain their shape after being squeezed. Children may use them for play or as sensory and stress-relief items. The Works told MadeForMums it has been selling thousands of squishy toys every week; the report also notes that squishies appeared in Christmas 2026 gift suggestions.
Many squishies use synthetic materials such as polyurethane foam, thermoplastic rubber or silicone. Some include gels, liquids or other fillings, which can make separating materials more difficult. The report says these products are not typically accepted through household recycling collections, but residents should check local council guidance rather than assume every area follows the same rules.
The Disposal Problem Behind the Trend
The popularity of low-cost, collectible toys can mean families buy several, sometimes before knowing how long a child will use them. When toys are made from mixed or hard-to-recycle materials, replacing them frequently can add to the volume of household waste. The report says unwanted or damaged squishies generally have to go in household waste where no local recycling route exists; that waste may be sent to landfill or incineration.
This does not mean parents need to ban the toys. Verity’s advice, as reported by MadeForMums, is to focus on more selective shopping and looking after items children already own. Passing on an intact toy through donation, resale or swapping can extend its use, provided it is safe and suitable for another child.
There is also a practical safety consideration. The report raises concerns about counterfeit products and online trends that encourage children to cut open or damage toys. A split toy may expose unknown contents, and deliberate damage shortens its useful life. Parents can check product information and condition, and keep exposed filling away from children and pets if a toy bursts.
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Why Squishies Are Hard to Recycle
The surge in interest is part of a fast-moving toy trend: different shapes and designs become sought after, and inexpensive products can be tempting to collect. The source gives search increases for several terms, but does not establish how many toys have been sold overall or quantify the amount of waste generated by squishies.
Recycling difficulties arise because a toy may combine materials that are not accepted in regular household collections, including foam, rubber, silicone and fillings. MadeForMums reports no widespread recycling route for damaged squishies. It advises against putting one in household recycling unless the local council specifically confirms it accepts the item.
For second-hand toys, the report recommends checking for damage and signs of counterfeiting, and looking for a UKCA or CE mark where applicable. It also advises buying new toys from reputable retailers. Those checks do not replace product-specific safety guidance, but they can help families make a more informed choice before buying or passing an item on.
“It’s hard to expect parents to avoid the toys altogether, but I’d certainly encourage more selective and considered shopping habits.”
— John Verity, quoted by MadeForMums
Local Recycling Rules Still Vary
The report does not identify a single recycling option available to all families, and local council acceptance can differ. It says there is no widespread route for damaged squishies, but a household should check its council’s current instructions before placing any toy in a recycling bin.
The source does not quantify how many squishies are sold, how many are discarded, or the environmental impact of their manufacture and disposal. Its search figures indicate increased interest, not a direct measure of purchases or waste. It also raises concerns about counterfeit toys and damaging online trends without giving figures for how common either is.
For a broken toy, the type and safety of exposed filling may not be clear. MadeForMums advises keeping it away from children and pets and following relevant product safety advice. The report does not specify a universal method for handling every possible filling or product.
Check Before Buying or Discarding
Families considering a squishy can check the product’s legitimacy and condition, choose a reputable retailer for a new purchase, and think about whether the child is likely to use it. Parents can also talk with children about looking after toys and avoiding trends that encourage cutting or damaging them.
When a toy is no longer wanted, consider selling, donating or swapping it if it is intact, legitimate and suitable for another child. For a broken squishy, check local council guidance before using household recycling; if no local route accepts it, the report says it should go in general household waste. Keep any exposed contents away from children and pets.
Key Questions
Can squishy toys go in household recycling?
Usually, they are not accepted in standard household recycling collections, according to the MadeForMums report. Check your local council’s rules before putting one in a recycling bin.
What should I do with a broken squishy?
Keep exposed filling away from children and pets, and follow any relevant product safety advice. Check with your council; if it has no recycling route for the toy, the report says to put it in general household waste.
Can an unwanted squishy be donated or sold?
Potentially, if it is in good condition, legitimate and suitable for its next owner. Check carefully for damage before passing it on.
Do parents need to avoid buying squishy toys?
No blanket ban is recommended in the report. Verity advises buying selectively, choosing toys children are likely to use and encouraging them to care for what they already have.
What safety checks does the report suggest?
It recommends buying from reputable retailers and checking second-hand toys for damage or signs they may be counterfeit. Look for a UKCA or CE mark where applicable and follow product-specific safety information.
Source: rss
