City News
Date : 2026-03-20 Source : New Taipei City Government
Toy Libraries Australia Visits New Taipei City Toy Bank to Explore Material Sustainability and Recycling Innovation
[New Taipei City, Taiwan] – Toys have become a bridge for international diplomacy. Following the Taiwan Toy Library Association's (TTLA) impactful presentation in Melbourne in 2023, Debbie Williams, CEO of Toy Libraries Australia, led a delegation to New Taipei City on March 18. The visit focused on New Taipei City’s decade-long achievement of recycling over 280 tons of second-hand toys, sparking a deep exchange on material science and circular economy practices.
During the visit, the delegation discussed global trends in sustainable play. Dominique Dumeste, a delegate from France, noted that the French government provides incentives to encourage the use of recyclable materials in toy manufacturing. In response, Yu Liang-ling, Chairperson of the TTLA, highlighted the challenges of recycling traditional toys due to their complex mix of seven types of plastics. To combat this, the TTLA advocates for "Wood-Education Toys" (Mù-Yù) and hosts annual design competitions in New Taipei City, turning winning entries into mass-produced educational tools that enhance both environmental value and longevity.
The delegation, which included Robyn and Steven Davis from Brisbane, Australia, and Dominique Dumeste from France, visited the "Play Nest" flagship store and the Second-hand Toy Logistics Center. They observed how New Taipei City utilizes a public-private partnership model to promote resource sharing, intergenerational inclusion through wooden toys, and mobile toy vans that serve remote rural communities.
"In Australia, toy libraries mostly operate as small-scale community lending hubs," said Debbie Williams. "We are impressed by how Taiwan handles over 40 tons of toys annually and serves over a thousand locations through public-private collaboration. Their 'Toy Circularity' and 'Mobile Toy Van' models showcased at the 16th International Toy Library Conference were truly unforgettable."
Chang Wei-ting, Director of the New Taipei City Toy Bank, explained that since its inception in 2016, the bank has processed over 280 tons of toys. After sorting, cleaning, and repairing, 60% of these toys are redistributed to children, while others are provided to seniors and people with disabilities. The bank even collaborates with hospital dementia centers to use toys as part of "social prescriptions."
A heartwarming moment occurred when Robyn and Steven Davis, wearing T-shirts featuring the famous Australian cartoon Bluey, were presented with a recycled Bluey toy found by staff member LuLu. The delegation also donned the Toy Bank’s signature red volunteer vests to experience the sorting and refurbishing process firsthand.
Huang Feng-ming, Secretary-General of the New Taipei City Department of Social Welfare, emphasized that the city’s advocacy for wooden toys aligns with global sustainability goals. These recycled resources are distributed not only to remote areas in Taiwan but also to offshore islands and international partners.
Looking ahead, Yu Liang-ling noted that the "Toy Sharing Park" in Yangmei, Taoyuan, is set to open later this year. This visit serves as a foundation for future collaborations on international volunteer exchange and the research and development of upcycled toys.
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Media Contacts:
Planning Division: Chen Chia-chi (+886-2-2960-3456 ext. 3722)
Case Officer: Chan Han-ju (+886-2-2960-3456 ext. 3723)
Press Relations: Lin Hsiu-sui (ext. 3713) / Chen Ching-kuei (ext. 3603)
During the visit, the delegation discussed global trends in sustainable play. Dominique Dumeste, a delegate from France, noted that the French government provides incentives to encourage the use of recyclable materials in toy manufacturing. In response, Yu Liang-ling, Chairperson of the TTLA, highlighted the challenges of recycling traditional toys due to their complex mix of seven types of plastics. To combat this, the TTLA advocates for "Wood-Education Toys" (Mù-Yù) and hosts annual design competitions in New Taipei City, turning winning entries into mass-produced educational tools that enhance both environmental value and longevity.
The delegation, which included Robyn and Steven Davis from Brisbane, Australia, and Dominique Dumeste from France, visited the "Play Nest" flagship store and the Second-hand Toy Logistics Center. They observed how New Taipei City utilizes a public-private partnership model to promote resource sharing, intergenerational inclusion through wooden toys, and mobile toy vans that serve remote rural communities.
"In Australia, toy libraries mostly operate as small-scale community lending hubs," said Debbie Williams. "We are impressed by how Taiwan handles over 40 tons of toys annually and serves over a thousand locations through public-private collaboration. Their 'Toy Circularity' and 'Mobile Toy Van' models showcased at the 16th International Toy Library Conference were truly unforgettable."
Chang Wei-ting, Director of the New Taipei City Toy Bank, explained that since its inception in 2016, the bank has processed over 280 tons of toys. After sorting, cleaning, and repairing, 60% of these toys are redistributed to children, while others are provided to seniors and people with disabilities. The bank even collaborates with hospital dementia centers to use toys as part of "social prescriptions."
A heartwarming moment occurred when Robyn and Steven Davis, wearing T-shirts featuring the famous Australian cartoon Bluey, were presented with a recycled Bluey toy found by staff member LuLu. The delegation also donned the Toy Bank’s signature red volunteer vests to experience the sorting and refurbishing process firsthand.
Huang Feng-ming, Secretary-General of the New Taipei City Department of Social Welfare, emphasized that the city’s advocacy for wooden toys aligns with global sustainability goals. These recycled resources are distributed not only to remote areas in Taiwan but also to offshore islands and international partners.
Looking ahead, Yu Liang-ling noted that the "Toy Sharing Park" in Yangmei, Taoyuan, is set to open later this year. This visit serves as a foundation for future collaborations on international volunteer exchange and the research and development of upcycled toys.
#
Media Contacts:
Planning Division: Chen Chia-chi (+886-2-2960-3456 ext. 3722)
Case Officer: Chan Han-ju (+886-2-2960-3456 ext. 3723)
Press Relations: Lin Hsiu-sui (ext. 3713) / Chen Ching-kuei (ext. 3603)
