Star Wars figurines could create disposal problem, group warns

May 17 -- The release of the latest Star Wars movie this week is creating excitement among fans of the sci-fi saga, but it´s also creating concern among some environmental advocates who fear the Dark Side - in other words, waves of discarded plastic action figures, light sabers and other movie-related paraphernalia headed to landfills.

"We love Star Wars as much as anybody, but it doesn´t mean we should emulate the destructive power of the Death Star by harming the environment," said Anne Reichman, director of Earth911.org, an environmental action and information Web site. "Most people don´t know that these types of figurines can´t be recycled, not even little Yoda. In fact, almost all of these toys will sit in landfills until long after we´re gone."

The group isn´t discouraging parents, or kids at heart, from buying the souvenirs, but they are offering tips for disposing of the materials after they lose their appeal.

Batteries from light sabers can be recycled, just like flashlight batteries, by dropping them off at a local recycling center. Product packaging, which often outweighs the product it holds, can be recycled through local paper and plastic conservation programs. And the group urges the donation of old DVDs, Star Wars clothing and figurines to libraries, charities, schools and day care facilities.

In 1999, when "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" was released, more than 250 million Star Wars action figures were sold. Earth911.org calculates the figurines´ aggregate weight to be about 5,700 tons.

The group offers a listing of local recycling centers that users can obtain by visiting its Web site and entering a ZIP code.