Target Car Seat Trade-In: Recycle Old Car Seats and Save 20%
- Tara M Stewart
- Apr 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Still holding onto old car seats, thinking someone might need them someday? Or maybe you replaced a car seat after an accident and weren’t sure how to safely get rid of the old one? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own either. Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Event makes it easy to recycle those old seats and save 20% on new baby gear. Here’s everything you need to know to take advantage of this simple, feel-good win.
Everything You Need to Know About Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Event
Got an old car seat collecting dust in the attic, basement, or garage? Maybe it’s expired, maybe it’s been through a fender-bender, or maybe it’s just... seen way better days. Either way, here’s the deal: you can’t donate old or expired car seats—and unfortunately, they often end up in landfills. But not this time. Let us show you how to recycle them responsibly!
Target typically runs its Car Seat Trade-In Event twice a year, usually in April and September, giving YOU two chances each year to recycle old car seats and score a 20% off Target Circle bonus toward new baby gear.
*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 Is Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Event?
Target’s Spring Car Seat Trade-In Event runs from April 27 to May 10, 2025. Just bring in any old car seat or car seat base to trade in—and in return, you’ll receive a 20% off Target Circle Bonus toward the purchase of a new car seat, car seat base, travel system, stroller, or select baby gear.
Eligible baby gear includes*:
Playards
High chairs
Swings
Rockers
Bouncers
Walkers
Entertainers
Jumpers
In short: if it's meant to haul your tiny human around or keep them entertained, you're probably covered.
What Kinds of Car Seats Can Be Traded In?
Target accepts all types of car seats, including*:
Infant car seats
Convertible car seats
Booster seats
Car seat bases
Expired or damaged car seats
Reminder: Even if it’s beat up, stained, or missing a strap, it’s still eligible!
How Does the Car Seat Trade-In Work?
Here’s what to do:
Head to a participating Target store. (Almost all are participating—only a few smaller-format stores are excluded.)
Find the drop-off boxes near Guest Services.
Scan the sign with your mobile device to unlock your Target Circle Bonus.
Start shopping for your new car seat, stroller, or baby gear!
You’ll find the 20% bonus waiting in your Target Wallet, ready to be used twice online or in-store before it expires on May 24, 2025.
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’ll 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.
✅ Are there exclusions?
Clearance items and anything sold/shipped by Target Plus aren’t eligible.
✅ How long do I have to use the bonus?
You have until May 24, 2025 to use it.
For a longer list of FAQs and more details be sure to head to Target's website.
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.
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