“Guys You Won’t Believe This”

The self-proclaimed king of dumpster diving was shocked to discover bins at the back of the Five Below discount store were full of toys that appeared to have been destroyed by staff.

what’s going on

TikToker Dumpster Dive King (@dumpsterdiveking) was put off by the “pathetic” policy that apparently caused the discount retailer to render the value of toys in dumpsters unusable.

@dumpsterdiveking The employees broke all the toy guns and batteries in the tank. It’s pathetic #dumpsterdiving #toys #toy #gun #sad ♬ Emotional Ambient Style Piano – MoppySound

“You won’t believe this… Employees broke all those toys,” says the TikToker, garnering over 4 million followers on a the round of bins behind the store.

The trash cans contain inoperable toy guns such as gel blasters, cut up and deflated footballs and basketballs, a broken baseball bat and more. Dumpster Dive King even found some intentionally unwrapped and now inedible chocolate.

“Say something to yourself right now, start donating your stuff,” he says.

Other TikTokers also couldn’t believe the amount of unnecessary waste in the dumpsters.

“Brother, what if someone wanted them?” one person asked.

“It’s just sad,” said another.

Why is this important?

Throwing away toys doesn’t just stop others from enjoying them, as several TikTokers pointed out in the comments section. From manufacturing to transportation, the toy industry needs energy to operate and is the largest plastic-consuming sector globally, according to data. The World Matters.

In general, plastic materials they are made from very polluting dirty fuels. What’s more, they don’t break down naturally – instead, they chip into tiny particles known as MICROPLAST which scientists have linked to a range of health complications including reproductive problems and cancer.

If that’s not worrisome enough, then retailers destroy items instead of donating or giving them a second life, the products usually end up as trash or in the garbage, releasing heat-trapping gases such as methane as they decay over decades to hundreds of years.

Why would Five Below throw toys in the bin?

U.S. retailers take steps to prevent defective, damaged or unsafe items from circulating, but as far as Dumpster Dive King knows, none of the products in the discount store’s dumpsters have been part of a mass recall.

One TikToker speculated that the company may have intentionally damaged overstocked products to recover money.

In turn, Five Below Member on its website that it aims to “prove that it doesn’t have to be expensive for our customers to go green”.

To reduce plastic waste, it encouraged shoppers to take items home in its reusable bags, selling more than 30 million of them at checkout. However, The Cool Down was unable to find any information regarding its toy disposal policies, and the latest video may damage some consumers’ confidence in Five Below’s stated sustainability goals.

What can I do to reduce waste more broadly?

If unwanted items are piling up in your home, you don’t have to immediately go back to the trash. Many companies offer rewards programs or cash for old electronics, sports equipment, clothing and more. The donation certain organizations may even qualify you for a tax break.

Using your purchasing power to support plastic-free products it’s another way to help hold retailers and manufacturers accountable for their actions. Companies like Le Toy Van and Once-Kids even offers wooden play sets for children, while a toy subscription service is another smart way to limit the consumption of products that will soon be obsolete.

Join us free newsletter for good news and useful tipsand don’t miss out this great list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.