{"id":550,"date":"2022-11-28T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/?p=550"},"modified":"2024-03-02T13:22:21","modified_gmt":"2024-03-02T13:22:21","slug":"what-to-do-with-old-car-seats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/what-to-do-with-old-car-seats\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Do With Old or Expired Car Seats?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Your car seat is an important safety device for your child and one that you rely on heavily. But when it\u2019s time to replace it or toss it, <strong>what should you do with your old car seat?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, there are some ways to handle those old car seats and keep them out of landfills as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To safely and responsibly get rid of an unwanted or expired car seat, consider these options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Repurpose the car seat at home<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trade-in the car seat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recycle the car seat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pass the car seat on to friends and family<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Donate the car seat to charities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What you shouldn\u2019t do with an old\/expired car seat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before talking about what you can do with an old car seat, let\u2019s cover a few things that you should not do with a used car seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is never a good idea to give, donate, or sell your used car seat to someone else \u2013 even if they are family members or friends if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The car seat has been in an accident:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to dispose of a car seat that has been in a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/car-seats-and-booster-seats\/car-seat-use-after-crash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> moderate to severe crash<\/a> and never reuse it again.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your car seat has been in a car accident, it&#8217;s considered the end of its lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A single collision can compromise the safety of your car seat<\/strong>. the crash forces could crack, break, or deform parts of the car seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The car seat has been recalled<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Car seats can be recalled. So, before you decide what to do with your old car seat, check to see whether there have been any<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/recalls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"930\"> recalls of the car seat. <\/a>If so, contact the manufacturer to follow their instructions to address the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every recall is a safety recall, but <strong>every recall is important to follow up on<\/strong>, even if it\u2019s just a minor fix.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The car seat is expired<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, car seats have an expiration date. You must check your old car seat&#8217;s expiration date before you decide what to do with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An expired car seat doesn&#8217;t ensure the structural integrity of its components. In other words, it&#8217;s NOT safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The webbing, plastic, foam, and buckles experience wear and tear over time. <\/strong>This weakens their ability to provide safety and protection if they\u2019ve been in use for too long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check under your car seat or manual for the expiry date and ensure you dispose of it properly if it&#8217;s expired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Most car seats are good for six years or more<\/strong> from the manufacture date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/what-to-do-with-an-old-car-seat-1-576x1024.webp\" alt=\"what to do with an old car seat\" class=\"wp-image-559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/what-to-do-with-an-old-car-seat-1-576x1024.webp 576w, https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/what-to-do-with-an-old-car-seat-1-169x300.webp 169w, https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/what-to-do-with-an-old-car-seat-1-768x1365.webp 768w, https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/what-to-do-with-an-old-car-seat-1-864x1536.webp 864w, https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/what-to-do-with-an-old-car-seat-1.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to do with old car seats?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Could you pass it on to family or friends?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your car seat is still safe to use, it can have a second life. The easiest way to do that is to pass it on to friends and familywhot need a new car seat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you do make sure that your seat meets the following criteria:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-4060cee2\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" class=\"bi bi-1-circle-fill\" fill=\"currentColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">   <path d=\"M16 8A8 8 0 1 1 0 8a8 8 0 0 1 16 0ZM9.283 4.002H7.971L6.072 5.385v1.271l1.834-1.318h.065V12h1.312V4.002Z\"><\/path> <\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">The car seat isn\u2019t expired&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f564761a\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" class=\"bi bi-2-circle-fill\" fill=\"currentColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">   <path d=\"M16 8A8 8 0 1 1 0 8a8 8 0 0 1 16 0ZM6.646 6.24c0-.691.493-1.306 1.336-1.306.756 0 1.313.492 1.313 1.236 0 .697-.469 1.23-.902 1.705l-2.971 3.293V12h5.344v-1.107H7.268v-.077l1.974-2.22.096-.107c.688-.763 1.287-1.428 1.287-2.43 0-1.266-1.031-2.215-2.613-2.215-1.758 0-2.637 1.19-2.637 2.402v.065h1.271v-.07Z\"><\/path> <\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">The car seat hasn\u2019t been recalled<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-2f26b984\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" class=\"bi bi-3-circle-fill\" fill=\"currentColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">   <path d=\"M16 8A8 8 0 1 1 0 8a8 8 0 0 1 16 0Zm-8.082.414c.92 0 1.535.54 1.541 1.318.012.791-.615 1.36-1.588 1.354-.861-.006-1.482-.469-1.54-1.066H5.104c.047 1.177 1.05 2.144 2.754 2.144 1.653 0 2.954-.937 2.93-2.396-.023-1.278-1.031-1.846-1.734-1.916v-.07c.597-.1 1.505-.739 1.482-1.876-.03-1.177-1.043-2.074-2.637-2.062-1.675.006-2.59.984-2.625 2.12h1.248c.036-.556.557-1.054 1.348-1.054.785 0 1.348.486 1.348 1.195.006.715-.563 1.237-1.342 1.237h-.838v1.072h.879Z\"><\/path> <\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">The car seat has no clear or hidden damages&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-dfa24d99\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" class=\"bi bi-4-circle-fill\" fill=\"currentColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">   <path d=\"M16 8A8 8 0 1 1 0 8a8 8 0 0 1 16 0ZM7.519 5.057c-.886 1.418-1.772 2.838-2.542 4.265v1.12H8.85V12h1.26v-1.559h1.007V9.334H10.11V4.002H8.176c-.218.352-.438.703-.657 1.055ZM6.225 9.281v.053H8.85V5.063h-.065c-.867 1.33-1.787 2.806-2.56 4.218Z\"><\/path> <\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">The car seat hasn\u2019t been in a crash<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-01416711\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" class=\"bi bi-5-circle-fill\" fill=\"currentColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">   <path d=\"M16 8A8 8 0 1 1 0 8a8 8 0 0 1 16 0Zm-8.006 4.158c1.74 0 2.924-1.119 2.924-2.806 0-1.641-1.178-2.584-2.56-2.584-.897 0-1.442.421-1.612.68h-.064l.193-2.344h3.621V4.002H5.791L5.445 8.63h1.149c.193-.358.668-.809 1.435-.809.85 0 1.582.604 1.582 1.57 0 1.085-.779 1.682-1.57 1.682-.697 0-1.389-.31-1.53-1.031H5.276c.065 1.213 1.149 2.115 2.72 2.115Z\"><\/path> <\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">The car seat still has its manual<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-892a0c1c\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" class=\"bi bi-6-circle-fill\" fill=\"currentColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">   <path d=\"M16 8A8 8 0 1 1 0 8a8 8 0 0 1 16 0ZM8.21 3.855c-1.868 0-3.116 1.395-3.116 4.407 0 1.183.228 2.039.597 2.642.569.926 1.477 1.254 2.409 1.254 1.629 0 2.847-1.013 2.847-2.783 0-1.676-1.254-2.555-2.508-2.555-1.125 0-1.752.61-1.98 1.155h-.082c-.012-1.946.727-3.036 1.805-3.036.802 0 1.213.457 1.312.815h1.29c-.06-.908-.962-1.899-2.573-1.899Zm-.099 4.008c-.92 0-1.564.65-1.564 1.576 0 1.032.703 1.635 1.558 1.635.868 0 1.553-.533 1.553-1.629 0-1.06-.744-1.582-1.547-1.582Z\"><\/path> <\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">The car seat is clean&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trade-in programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Target offers gift cards or store credit that can be used to buy a new <strong>car seat,<\/strong> <strong>stroller,<\/strong> or <strong>other baby gear<\/strong> in exchange for your old car seat.1.2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This trade-in program is a great way to responsibly get rid of your unwanted car seat without dealing with recycling it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you trade your car seat at Target, they recycle materials from the old car seats to create new products such as pallets and plastic buckets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>These types of programs only run periodically for limited times each year<\/strong>. Keep your eyes peeled for the next program if you have an old car seat hidden in your garage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recycling centers&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another recommended way to dispose of your old car seat is to take it to<a href=\"http:\/\/recycleyourcarseat.org\/where-do-i-recycle-my-seat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"931\"> a local recycling center.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many recycling plants will accept old car seats to repurpose the plastic and other parts for use in new products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can contact your local recycling center to find out if they accept old car seats and what the process is for disposing of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also other <strong>paid recycling programs<\/strong> available that can help you get rid of your old car seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/carseatrecycling.com\/\" data-lasso-id=\"932\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Car Seat Recycling<\/a> for example offers affordable mail-back services to help you safely and responsibly recycle your old car seat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They send you a recycling kit that includes a shipping bag and a prepaid shipping label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All you have to do is put your car seat in the bag and drop it off at the nearest UPS office. <strong>You will also get a $10 or a 10% off coupon to be used on Clekinc.com.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Donate it to charities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As long as it has not been recalled damaged or expired and all straps are properly attached. You can contact local charities that accept used car seats like <strong>women&#8217;s shelters.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you call ahead to ensure that they accept car seat donations. Many <strong>charities are strict about used car seats due to safety concerns.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also donate your unwanted car seat to local CPSTs. Child passenger safety technicians can use it for safety demonstrations and train parents how to use a car seat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, reach out to a CPST in your neighborhood or city to see if they\u2019d like to have your old seat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Throw it in the trash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When your car seat can\u2019t be reused or recycled, you will likely have to throw it away.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before sending it off to the landfill, <strong>make sure that nobody will use that car seat after you. <\/strong>The last thing you want to do is risk another child\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by cutting off the straps and detaching the buckles. You can also use a permanent marker to write on the seat <strong>\u201cNOT SAFE\u201d<\/strong> or <strong>\u201cDO NOT USE\u201d.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Better yet, remove any foam padding and break the car seat shell with a hammer so that nobody will be able to use it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once everything is taken apart, you can safely dispose of the car seat in your regular garbage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Repurpose your old car seat at home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t feel like throwing away your old car seat in the trash, you can repurpose it at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people have found <strong>creative and unique ways to turn a car seat into something else like a pet bed, planter box, or even an outdoor swing.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With some creativity and the right tools, you can easily turn an old car seat into something new and special that can be used in your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t want to use it at home, donate it to an animal rescuee shelter. It will make a great bed for dogs and cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What&#8217;s next<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve disposed of your old car seat, it&#8217;s important to take the time to research the right type and model of the new car seat for your child&#8217;s age, weight, and height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, when looking for a new car seat consider buying <strong>a convertible car seat<\/strong> that can accommodate your growing child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This way, you will only use one car seat for your baby&#8217;s entire car seat journey. Plus, you will save the environment and money in the long run!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your car seat is an important safety device for your &#8230; <a title=\"What To Do With Old or Expired Car Seats?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/what-to-do-with-old-car-seats\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about What To Do With Old or Expired Car Seats?\">LEARN MORE<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3582,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/550"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=550"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/550\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5842,"href":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/550\/revisions\/5842"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3582"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=550"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=550"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carseatparent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=550"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}