Fast forward to a few years of using car seats for your baby, and it expires.
On the one hand, you’d be thinking about what is the best car seat to choose.
Inquiring what do you do with expired car seats from friends will be hand in hand question.
Don’t stress out! Today, we’ll mention the 4 simple ways to get rid of expired car seats, so you have room to store the unit you are about to buy.
Read the article till the end to pick a suitable way of getting rid of your expired car seats.
Table of Contents
What Do You Do with Expired Car Seats?
Car seats are made out of plastic, and plastic ages with time. Generally, that’s why car seats expire. However, an expired car seat also means one with wear and tear or the one that has survived a car crash.
You would never want to use an expired car seat, and leaving it on the curb to be picked up with trash doesn’t sound responsible to society. So, check out what you can do with the expired car seats here.
Trade in Programs
One of the very simple ways to get rid of your old or expired car seat is trading. Dozens of trade-in programs are running on this date. Not to mention, Walmart and Target’s expired car seat programs tops the list here.
These companies take your expired car seat and use them to make buckets or pallets. That’s not it. You also get a coupon or discount in return that you can use to buy a new car seat, travel system, stroller, or other baby gear.
For instance, when you trade in an expired car seat, you get a 20% off coupon from Target. However, these programs are open once or twice a year. So, you need to keep an eye on their online page to know about its initiation.
If you cannot wait for long months to avail this offer, check out the local trade-in programs. You’d definitely find one within your reach.
Donation
A donation is a next option to get rid of your expired car seats. Are you wondering, can you donate an expired car seat? Yes, you can.
If your car seat hasn’t been in an accident and has a year left till expiry, the donation is a reasonable decision. However, if your car seat has small damage, forget not to mention it when donating one.
- Local Charities: Most local charities are looking forward to donations. Ask them if they are interested in your car seat and elaborate on its condition to help them make an informed decision.
- Church Organization: Along with a local charity, church organizations are also open to donations. So, inquire if accepting car seat donations is included in their policy.
- Parenting Classes: Some parenting classes can take your expired car seat to demonstrate how it works and how to install it. So, it’s also a feasible option for expired car seats since they can be put to good use.
Recycling
The plastic in car seats can be recycled to make the most out of it. Recycling also saves the environment from unwanted trash. One of the best things you can do with your expired car seats is to recycle them.
Of course, you don’t need to do it all by yourself. For recycling, call a few recycling centers near you. Inquire about their interest in your baby’s expired car seat. It would be great if they were up for it.
Fix a car seat pick-up appointment with them and send it for recycling. Before that, cut off your car seat harness and remove the fabric and metal parts since the recycling companies only take plastics.
Some recycling companies detach the metal part themselves as it needs a screwdriver. Ask them if doing so is your duty, or they will get it done.
Dismantle
After every possible option, if you believe dismantling is the convenient option for you, go for it. Pull your scissors and tear the fabric of your car seat. The harness should also be cut down.
Use a mallet or hammer available at home to break it down. Hit your car seat, so it no longer stays in good condition. Mention “EXPIRED” or “DO NOT USE” with your permanent marker.
Leave this car seat to be picked up with your trash. This tagline of expiry and the condition of your car seat will tell others to refrain from using the car seat.
Conclusion
Here we summarize today’s edit on “What do you do with expired car seats?”
There are four ways you can get rid of your car seat: Trade-in programs, donations, recycling, and dismantling.
To trade in, you’d have to check online and local stores. Donate your car seat to an organization willing to accept it.
Recycling and dismantling have the first step in common. Both need the harness and fabric of the car seat to be torn. However, recycling puts your car seat to good use in the future, while dismantling makes it useless.
Now, pick an option and do what appears the most feasible for your expired car seat.
Also Read: Best Britax Car Seat in 2022
