When it comes to expired car seats, there are several options for disposal. Here are some things you can do:
-
Recycle: Check with your local recycling service to see if they accept car seats. Some recycling plants accept used or expired car seats, but you may need to remove certain parts, like harness webbing, to make it easier for the plant to dismantle the plastic and metal pieces. Be sure to follow their protocol and cut off all the webbing, cut the cover, remove or blackout the serial number and manufacture date, and write “trash, do not use” on the car seat shell.
-
Trade-in: Some stores, like Target, hold car seat trade-in events throughout the year. During these events, you can bring your expired car seat into a participating store to save on a new car seat, car seat base, travel system or stroller, or select baby gear. Target has a goal of zero waste to landfills in U.S. operations by 2030, by partnering with Waste Management. Waste Management can break down the old car seats and create new products.
-
Donate: If the car seat is still in good condition and hasnt expired, you can donate it to women’s shelters, local charities, church organizations, or child passenger safety technicians.
-
Trash: If the car seat is expired or damaged, follow proper recycling or trash disposal protocols to ensure safety. Cut off the straps, remove the padding, and write “expired, do not use” in marker. Then toss it in the garbage.
Its important to note that you should not donate or sell an expired car seat, as the plastic may have degraded and will no longer protect your child in the event of an accident. Additionally, if the car seat has been in an accident, it should not be reused or donated.
