does target take old car seats

[StGianna]

Yes, Target does accept old car seats, but only during specific, limited-time trade-in events held typically in the spring and fall. During these events, you can bring your used, expired, or damaged car seat to any Target store and drop it off at the designated service area. In return, you'll receive a 20% off coupon valid for a new car seat, select baby gear, or other qualifying items. This program is a partnership with the recycling company TerraCycle, ensuring the seats are broken down and their materials are kept out of landfills.

The primary goal is safety and sustainability. Car seats have an expiration date—usually six to ten years from the manufacture date—because materials degrade over time, compromising their ability to protect in a crash. Furthermore, a seat that has been in any accident, even a minor fender-bender, should be replaced. This program provides a responsible way to dispose of seats that are no longer safe.

What to Expect During a Trade-In Event:

• Check Dates: The events are not year-round. You must verify the current dates on Target's official website or through the Target Circle app.
• Prepare the Seat: You don't need to disassemble it. Just ensure it's reasonably clean and free of major debris.
• No Receipt Needed: The trade-in is not tied to the original purchase.
• Coupon Details: The 20% discount coupon is typically issued per seat and is valid for a limited time on your next purchase.

If you miss the trade-in event, check with your local municipal waste management agency for recycling options, as car seats are not accepted through Target's standard in-store recycling bins.

Event Period (Typical)	Items Accepted	Coupon Offered	Partner for Recycling
April (Earth Month)	Used, expired, or damaged infant car seats, convertible seats, and boosters.	20% off one new car seat, stroller, or select baby gear.	TerraCycle
September (Baby Safety Month)	Same as above. Seats do not need to be from Target.	20% off one qualifying item from the same categories.	TerraCycle
Varies by location	Some stores may have permanent bins, but this is not the national policy.	No coupon offered for standard recycling.	Local recycling facilities

[DallasLynn]

Just went through this! Target takes old car seats, but only for a couple of weeks each year. I waited for their spring event, dropped off our expired infant seat at the customer service desk, and got a coupon for 20% off a new booster for my toddler. Super easy. You have to time it right, though—check their website for the exact dates. It’s a great way to get a discount and recycle responsibly.

[CameronRose]

As a parent, the safety aspect is what really matters to me. Car seats expire, and you shouldn't just toss them in the trash where someone might fish them out and use them unsafely. Target’s trade-in program solves that. They ensure the seats are properly recycled through a partner company. It gives me peace of mind knowing my old seat won’t end up endangering another child. The coupon is a nice bonus for doing the right thing.

[OBlakely]

From an environmental standpoint, this is a smart initiative. Car seats are a nightmare to recycle conventionally because they’re made of mixed plastics and metals. Target’s partnership with a specialized recycler like TerraCycle means over 80% of the materials are recovered and repurposed, drastically reducing landfill waste. It’s a closed-loop solution that more retailers should adopt. The limited-time events likely help them manage the volume and cost effectively.

[EverlyAnn]

The key thing to remember is that this isn't a year-round service. It's a promotional event. I missed the window once and had to hold onto a bulky seat for months. My advice is to sign up for Target Circle notifications or keep an eye on parenting blogs in early April and September. Even if the seat is from another store, they’ll take it. Just bring it to the service desk, and they’ll handle the rest. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet.