Best ways to dispose of car seat (best → last resort)
Retail take-backBest option
Target and Walmart run car-seat trade-in / recycling events (Target usually twice a year, spring and fall) — drop your old seat and get a store coupon; they recycle the plastic and metal. This is the cleanest path for an expired seat.
Drop-offWhere available
Some cities and specialty recyclers accept car seats year-round — search your city + car seat recycling.
Curbside trashLast resort
If no program is nearby, disassemble it — cut off the fabric and straps (trash), and put the plastic shell and metal frame in the trash or scrap metal. The whole seat does not go in curbside recycling.
How to prepare it
Cut the straps and remove the fabric cover and foam padding.
If trading in, you usually donʼt need to disassemble — check the eventʼs rules.
Don't
Never donate, resell, or hand down an expired or crash-involved car seat — itʼs a safety liability.
Donʼt put a whole car seat in the curbside recycling cart — itʼs mixed materials and jams sorting.
Find a drop-off near you
Acceptance varies by city — always check your local program first.
Retail take-back (best option): Target and Walmart run car-seat trade-in / recycling events (Target usually twice a year, spring and fall) — drop your old seat and get a store coupon; they recycle the plastic and metal. This is the cleanest path for an expired seat.
Can you put a car seat in the trash?
In many areas yes — but recycling or a drop-off is better. Check your local program.
Where can I recycle a car seat near me?
Search a drop-off with the Earth911 locator or "car seat recycling trade-in near me." Acceptance varies by city, so confirm with your local program.