Car seats are essential for child safety, but they don’t last forever. Whether your child has outgrown their seat, the seat has reached its expiration date, or it has been involved in an accident, you’re eventually left with a bulky item that shouldn’t just sit in your garage.
Because car seats are safety devices, you can’t simply treat them like regular furniture. Here is a guide on what to do with old car seats legally, safely, and sustainably.
1. Check if the Seat is Still Safe
Before deciding what to do, you need to determine the seat’s status. Do not donate or sell a seat if:
- It is expired: Most seats expire 6–10 years after the date of manufacture (check the sticker on the side or base).
- It has been in a crash: Even a minor “fender bender” can cause hairline fractures in the plastic.
- It is missing parts: If the harness is frayed or pieces are missing, it’s unsafe.
- It has been recalled: Check the manufacturer’s website.
2. Participate in a Trade-In Program
This is the most popular option for parents. Major retailers often host car seat trade-in events once or twice a year.
- Target Trade-In: Usually held in April and September. You bring in your old seat (in any condition) and receive a 20% off coupon for new baby gear.
- Walmart Trade-In: Occasionally hosts similar events where you receive a gift card for recycling your old seat.
3. Specialized Recycling
Car seats are difficult to recycle through standard curbside bins because they are “monstrous hybrids” of plastic, metal, and foam.
- Clek: This manufacturer offers a recycling program for their own brand and others for a small fee.
- TerraCycle: You can sometimes purchase a “Zero Waste Box” specifically for car seats, though this can be expensive.
- Local Programs: Check Earth911 to see if there is a specialized recycling center near you that accepts car seat plastics.
4. Donate (Only if Safe!)
If your car seat is not expired, has never been in an accident, and is clean, you can give it a second life.
- Friends or Family: Passing it to someone you trust is the best way to ensure the history of the seat is known.
- Women’s Shelters/Churches: Call ahead first. Many charities refuse used car seats due to liability concerns, but some may accept them if they meet strict criteria.
5. Repurpose (For Non-Safety Use)
If the seat is unsafe for a child, you can get creative with the components:
- Pet Beds: Use the soft padding/cover to line a pet crate.
- Buckles and Straps: Heavy-duty straps can be used for DIY tie-downs in a workshop.
- Training Tool: Some CPSTs (Child Passenger Safety Technicians) look for old seats to use as “practice models” for teaching parents how to install them.
6. Proper Disposal (The Last Resort)
If you cannot recycle or trade in the seat, you must throw it away. However, you must do it in a way that prevents someone else from finding it in the trash and trying to use it.
- Cut the straps: Use scissors to cut the harness completely out.
- Remove the padding: Strip it down to the bare plastic shell.
- Mark it: Use a permanent marker to write “EXPIRED – DO NOT USE” or “CRASHED – UNSAFE” in large letters on the plastic.
- Bag it: Place the pieces in a dark trash bag so it is not visible.
Summary Table: Which Option is Right for You?
| Condition of Seat | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Unexpired & Never Crashed | Donate to a friend or a shelter. |
| Expired or Crashed | Retailer Trade-In or Specialized Recycling. |
| Broken/Recalled | Strip parts and dispose of safely (Cut the straps!). |
Final Tip: Always check your user manual or the manufacturer’s website. Some brands have specific instructions on how to dismantle their seats for recycling!