Toxic Waste Game.

The Toxic Waste Game is a great small group game that requires teamwork and communications. The object of the Toxic Waste game is to move the toxic waste contents to the neutralizer container. This must be done using the equipment provided and participants must maintain a safe distance from the waste toxic waste. This game is best for 3-10 players, and can be done indoors or out.

Set-Up

Toxic waste radiation zone - Use a rope or string to mark off a circle on the ground, at least 8 feet in diameter. The larger the radiation zone, the more difficult the activity.
Place a small bucket or cup in the center of the radiation zone and fill it with balls or stones to represent the toxic waste.
Place the neutralizer bucket in another room, or outdoors 30 to 50 feet away. The greater the distance,, and the more obstacles to negotiate, the more difficult the activity.
Have blindfolds for those who venture inside the radiation zone.
Put all the handling equipment in a pile, or in a container like a pillow case, near the rope circle.
- Suggested equipment would be ropes, bungee cords, shoe strings, hooks, etc. For added fun, throw in gloves, ladies hat, air freshener, an old shoe, and other totally useless items.

Toxic Waste Game Directions

The group must transfer the toxic waste from the small bucket into the large bucket where it will be "neutralized". Participants can only use the equipment provided, and they must maintain the safe distance from the toxic waste. Anyone who gets inside the radiation zone will suffer injury and possibly even death. Spilling the container will kill everyone, and end the game. The group should aim to save the world and do so without injury to any group members.

The rope circle represents the radiation zone emanating from the toxic waste in the bucket. Emphasize that everyone must maintain a safe distance, the circle radius, from the toxic waste wherever it goes. Otherwise they will suffer severe injury, such as blindness, loss of a limb or even death.

Facilitator Notes

Toxic Waste is not an easy exercise and most groups will benefit from some coaching along the way. The solution involves attaching the cords to the bungee loop, then guiding the bungee with the strings to fit around and grab the toxic waste bucket. Then with everyone pulling on their cord and with good coordination and care, the toxic waste bucket can be lifted, moved and tipped into the empty neutralizing bucket.

If someone breaches the toxic waste zone, indicated by the circle, they will be injured. If an arm or leg enters the radiation zone it's use is lost. The person will have to put a hand behind their back, or hop on one foot, or crawl on their knees. If a head enters the zone, the person will be blinded (use the blindfold). Injuries sustained last for the remainder of the game. If a whole person enters the zone, they die and must then sit out for the rest of the activity.

If the group spills the waste entirely, make a big deal about catastrophic failure, everyone dies, and the game ends.

Variations on the Toxic Waste Game

Set a time limit. The toxic waste must be neutralized withing 20 minutes, or everyone dies. Give the group some planning time with no action e.g. 5 mins, before they start

Add obstacles like chairs, closed doors, neutralizer on top of a ladder, etc.