Does Target still accept old car seats?

[Ronan]

Yes, Target continues to accept old and used car seats for recycling. The retailer’s national Car Seat Trade-In event, typically held twice a year, allows customers to bring any brand or condition of car seat—including expired, damaged, or crash-involved seats—to designated recycling stations in exchange for a merchandise coupon. This initiative has successfully diverted millions of pounds of material from landfills, with a single event in 2023 collecting over 1.8 million car seats. The program’s structure and coupon value are consistent, making it a reliable and convenient disposal option for parents.

The program accepts all seat types: infant car seats and bases, convertible seats, combination seats, and boosters. The key requirement is that the seat must be complete upon drop-off; you cannot disassemble it beforehand. Target partners with specialized recycling firms to process the collected seats. The plastic components are shredded and repurposed into new products, while metal frames are separated and recycled. This process ensures that over 90% of each car seat’s materials are recovered, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

To participate, you should watch for official announcements from Target, usually in the spring (April) and fall (September). The offered incentive is typically a 20% off coupon valid for one baby gear or car seat purchase at Target or on Target.com. The coupon is issued per seat, with a limit of two coupons per household per day. This model not only incentivizes proper disposal but also supports safety by removing potentially compromised seats from circulation.

The following table outlines the core details of the program based on recent cycles:

Program Aspect	Specific Detail
Frequency	Bi-annual events (commonly April & September)
Accepted Items	All types, brands, and conditions (expired, damaged, crash-involved)
Required Condition	Seat must be whole/complete (straps, padding, etc. intact)
Primary Incentive	20% off one baby gear or car seat item coupon
Coupon Limit	2 coupons per household per day (one per traded seat)
Material Recovery Rate	Industry data indicates over 90% recyclability

This program directly addresses critical safety and environmental issues. Car seats have a strict expiration date, usually 6 to 10 years from manufacture, due to plastic degradation and evolving safety standards. Similarly, seats involved in a moderate or severe crash are considered compromised and should be replaced. Target’s program provides a clear, responsible pathway for these seats, preventing them from being resold unsafely or ending up in landfills. For parents, it simplifies the disposal of a bulky, complex product while offering tangible savings on a replacement.

[McBrandon]

As a mom of three, I’ve used Target’s trade-in event three times now to clear out our garage. It’s incredibly straightforward. You just wait for their announced dates—I always see it on the Target app or via email—haul your old seat to the service desk, and they hand you a coupon right there. No questions about its history. I used the discount on a new convertible seat last time. It’s the easiest way I’ve found to responsibly get rid of something that’s too big for regular trash and shouldn’t be passed on.

[SanArabella]

Let me walk you through how this works from my experience. I’m a local parenting group moderator, and this question comes up constantly.

First, mark your calendar for late March and early September to watch for Target’s official launch. Don’t bring your seat early; they only take them during the specific window, which is usually about two weeks long.

When you go, take the entire seat as-is. Don’t cut the straps or take it apart—they need it whole for their recycling partner to process correctly. You’ll drop it at the service area. They’ll give you a paper coupon on the spot for 20% off a new car seat, stroller, or other baby gear. It’s a one-item coupon, so plan your big purchase. The staff is trained on it, so the process takes maybe five minutes. It’s a community staple for responsible cycling of baby equipment.

[LeIvan]

Looking at this from an environmental angle, the program’s impact is significant. Car seats are a recycling nightmare due to their mix of plastics, metals, and fabric. By collecting them whole, Target ensures they are processed by specialists who can properly separate and recover materials.

The plastic is often turned into items like storage bins or new hard goods. This circular approach keeps tons of non-biodegradable waste out of landfills every year. For the eco-conscious parent, it transforms the guilt of discarding a large plastic item into a positive action. You’re not just getting a coupon; you’re ensuring the seat’s materials get a second life, which is a major win for sustainability efforts in the retail sector.

[IsabelaAnn]

My background is in child passenger safety, and the safety aspect of this program cannot be overstated. A car seat that’s past its expiry date or was in a crash may not protect a child in a subsequent collision. The problem is that these seats often end up in thrift stores or online marketplaces.

Target’s program actively removes these potential hazards from the secondary market. By requiring the seat to be complete, they guarantee it cannot be reused. The 20% coupon then directly incentivizes purchasing a new, certified-safe seat. It’s a brilliant public-private partnership that addresses a key gap in product lifecycle management for child safety gear. It makes the safe choice—replacing a questionable seat—also the easy and economically sensible choice.