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Most kids use at least three car seats before they “graduate” to a seat belt. That’s a lot of car seats! Luckily, there are some local reuse and recycling options.
Car seat reuse and donation
According to recycleyourcarseat.org, car seats can be passed along to a friend or donated to a family in need if they meet three safety conditions:
- the seat has not been in an accident, is not visibly damaged, and has not been recalled.
- the seat has not expired (check the sides or bottom for a date). Learn why car seats expire.
- the straps have not been cleaned with harsh chemicals like bleach, which weaken the straps.
In Kitsap County, Eastside Baby Corner - West Sound accepts used car seats during their donation drop-off hours. In order to be donated, your seat must have 12 or more months left before expiration. Please wash your car seat’s cover first, if possible.
All seats are inspected for safety by certified staff and firefighters before being given to a family in need.
Target car seat recycling event, September 3-13
Target stores are again offering their car seat recycling program for expired or damaged seats between September 3-13, 2019. Learn more at the Target website
According to Target, "When you bring your car seat to Target Guest Services, you'll get a coupon for 20% off a new car seat, stroller or select baby gear. The coupon is valid through September 14, 2019.
- Target introduced its first car seat trade-in program in April 2016.
- Since the program launched, Target has recycled half a million car seats, and counting.
- To date, through trade-in programs, Target has recycled more than 11.9 million pounds of materials, and counting."
Car seat disposal
If you cannot donate or recycle your car seat, please cut the straps on your seat (so others don't try to reuse a possibly unsafe car seat) and place it in your garbage.
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