Target Car Seat Trade-In: Recycle Old Car Seats and Save 20%

Tara M Stewart
Apr 15
3 min read

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Still tripping over an old car seat in the garage or wondering how to safely part with one after a fender-bender? You are not alone and you don’t have to figure it out solo. Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Event is officially back, making it easy to recycle that bulky gear while snagging a 20% discount on something new. Here is the quick lowdown on this simple, feel-good win.

The Lowdown on Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Event

A large cardboard recycling bin inside a Target store filled with used infant car seats. The side of the bin reads "Recycle your car seat for 20% off" and lists steps to scan a QR code for a Target Circle bonus.

If you have an old car seat collecting dust in the attic or garage, you already know the struggle. Maybe it is expired, maybe it is just covered in years of mystery crumbs, or maybe it has seen way better days.

Here is the reality: you cannot donate expired car seats and they often end up sitting in landfills for decades. But not this time. Let us show you how to recycle them responsibly!

Target typically runs this event twice a year, usually in April and September. It is the perfect excuse to clear the clutter so you can finally see your garage floor again.

Mark Your Calendars: The Spring event is officially happening from April 19 through May 2, 2026.

*Heads up: We’ll keep this blog updated with the latest Target Car Seat Trade-In Event dates! It usually runs twice a year, and we’ll post updates as soon as new dates are released.

What Can You Trade In?

Target is pretty amazing about this. They accept almost everything, even if it is stained, missing a strap, or looking a little rough.

Bring in your:

Infant car seats
Convertible car seats
Booster seats
Car seat bases
Expired or damaged seats

In exchange, you get a 20% off Target Circle Bonus. You can use this toward a new car seat, stroller, or even "baby home" items like playards, high chairs, swings, and rockers. If it helps you manage the beautiful mayhem of parenting, it is likely on the list

How It Works?

A red plastic shopping cart in a large store parking lot. The main part of the cart is holding a grey car seat base, and a black and teal car seat is balanced carefully on top, ready for drop-off.

Drop It: Locate the big drop-off boxes near Guest Services.
Scan It: Use your phone to scan the QR code on the box. This automatically adds the bonus to your Target Circle account.
Save It: Your 20% discount will be sitting in your Target Wallet.
Spend It: You can use your bonus twice through May 16, 2026. This is a great time to stock up or finally upgrade that stroller.

Why Target’s Car Seat Recycling Program Matters

Since launching the program in 2016, Target has helped recycle over 3 million car seats diverting more than 49 million pounds of waste from landfills!

Those old car seats don’t just disappear; they’re broken down and turned into useful products like:

Plastic buckets
Construction materials (steel beams and carpet padding)
Select Brightroom storage products you might even see back on Target shelves!

So basically, you're saving the planet and getting a killer deal.

Quick FAQs

Can I trade in multiple seats? Yes! But you will receive one 20% bonus per Target Circle account.
Can I use the 20% off more than once? Yes! The bonus can be used twice before it expires.
How long do I have to use the bonus? You have until May 16, 2026 to use it.

For a longer list of FAQs and more details be sure to head to Target's website.

Two large teal and white recycling bins at Target filled with used car seats. The bins feature large white circles with numbers 1, 2, and 3, explaining the process: 1. Drop your old car seat here; 2. Scan the QR code on the box; 3. Find your bonus in your Wallet in the Target app.

More Ways to Recycle Responsibly

If you're ready to take the next step beyond car seats, head to our Resources page, where you’ll find our free PDF Guide featuring nationwide charities and organizations that can help you sell, repurpose, or recycle unique items.

In addition, here are just a few additional blogs that showcase some of our favorite ways to show a little extra kindness to the earth one thoughtful donation (or recycling run) at a time.

Finally, if you have a heart for the earth and are always looking for more ways to recycle or donate responsibly, you’re in the right place. We love helping families clear out their spaces in ways that are thoughtful, sustainable, and kind to the planet. If you’d like hands-on help making it happen in your own home, we’d love to work with you just head HERE to get started!

*For all the FAQs and more details be sure to head to Target's website. As the list of what is accepted and what items will be eligible for purchase with the 20% off coupon can change.