Recycle

Recycling Car Seats: Safe for Kids, Safe for the Planet

Car seats are essential for keeping our children safe, but they don't last forever. They expire, can be damaged in accidents, or simply outgrown. Disposing of an old car seat responsibly is crucial for both safety and environmental reasons. Improper disposal can lead to unsafe seats being reused or contribute to landfill waste.

Here's how you can recycle or responsibly dispose of your child's old car seat:

• Cut the Straps: Before disposing of a car seat, cut the straps to prevent it from being reused, ensuring it doesn't pose a safety risk to other children.
• Check Local Recycling Centers: Many recycling centers accept car seats or their components. It's best to call ahead to confirm what materials they accept (plastics, metals, certain foams) and if there are specific preparation requirements, such as removing fabric or straps.
• State-Specific and Dedicated Recycling Programs: Some states, like Colorado, offer dedicated car seat recycling programs. You can research your state's environmental or transportation department for similar programs. There might also be specialized car seat recycling programs in your community or region.
• Manufacturer and Retailer Take-Back Programs:
  • Some car seat manufacturers offer recycling programs. For example, Clek has a year-round program that recycles any brand of car seat, often involving ordering a recycling kit and shipping it back.
  • Retailers like Target periodically offer car seat trade-in events, where you can drop off an old car seat and receive a discount on new baby gear. These programs often handle the recycling process for you. Walmart also started a program in association with TerraCycle.

• By exploring these options, you can ensure your old car seat is disposed of responsibly, reducing waste and protecting the environment.

  Dismantling and Sorting: Car seats must be dismantled to sort the different materials for recycling. On average, 85-90% of a car seat can be recycled.

• Recyclable materials often include plastic (various resin types), and clean, hard foam like Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), and Expandable Polyethylene (EPE).

• Car seat covers are generally not recyclable due to flame-retardant chemicals.

  Donate Usable Seats: If your car seat is not expired, recalled, or has not been in an accident, and still complies with current safety standards, you might be able to donate it to a local charity or hospital.

  Write "Do Not Use": For components that cannot be recycled, dispose of them according to local waste management guidelines, and write "Do not use" on the car seat before disposal.

  Fortunately, a growing number of programs are emerging to help with difficult-to-recycle items. Check our "Where Do I Recycle My Seat" page to find a program near you. If you don't find one, reach out to your car seat manufacturer and local recycler to advocate for more recycling options.