The Car Seat Recycling Trade-In Event is a smart and eco-friendly way for parents to safely get rid of old, expired, or damaged car seats. Instead of throwing them away, families can recycle their used car seats and receive special discounts on new baby gear. This event helps reduce waste while keeping unsafe seats out of circulation.
Many parents struggle with what to do with outgrown or crashed car seats, and this trade-in event offers a simple solution. By participating, you support sustainability, protect children’s safety, and save money on essential baby products. It’s an easy win for families and the environment.
Updated September 7, 2025
The Target Car Seat Recycling Trade-In Event is officially back, giving parents a safe and rewarding way to dispose of outgrown, expired, or damaged car seats. This limited-time event helps solve a common problem many families face—what to do with a car seat that can no longer be used. With less than two weeks to participate, shoppers are encouraged to act quickly to avoid missing out on valuable savings.
From September 21 to October 4, 2025, participating Target stores will place a large drop-off box near the front of the store where customers can leave eligible car seats. Target accepts nearly all types, including infant seats, bases, convertible seats, all-in-ones, combination seats, and both high-back and backless boosters. Seats can be expired, recalled, damaged, or simply no longer needed.
In return, Target offers a 20% Target Circle Bonus coupon for each car seat turned in. The coupon is delivered by scanning a QR code using the Target app and is stored directly in the user’s Wallet. Each coupon can be redeemed twice and is valid through October 18, 2025, making it useful for purchasing a new car seat, stroller, stroller wagon, or select baby gear.
All collected car seats are responsibly recycled through Ecotech, ensuring materials are kept out of landfills. Reusable components are transformed into Brightroom products and construction materials. Since launching the program, Target reports recycling more than 3.5 million car seats, preventing over 49 million pounds of waste from entering the environment.
The entire process is designed to be simple and contactless. There is no need to cut straps or remove fabric covers before drop-off. After scanning the QR code in-store, shoppers can apply the coupon at checkout or use it for online purchases if their preferred items are unavailable in-store.
Due to high demand, car seats and baby gear often sell out quickly during the event. Shoppers are advised to research products in advance and use the coupon early. While the discount can be combined with Target Circle offers and the 5% REDcard savings, it cannot be stacked with registry coupons, and certain exclusions apply, including Wonderfold, Doona, Target Plus items, and clearance products.
What they take:
- Rear-facing only infant car seats
- Infant car seat bases
- Convertible car seats
- All-in-one car seats (3-in-1, 4-in-1, 5-in-1)
- Harness-to-booster (combination) car seats
- High-back belt-positioning booster seats
- Backless booster seats
- Expired, damaged, recalled, or unused car seats
What they give you:
Target rewards participants with a 20% Target Circle Bonus coupon for recycling an eligible car seat during the event. The coupon is accessed by scanning a QR code at the drop-off box using the Target app and is saved directly to your Wallet.
Each coupon can be redeemed up to two times, giving families flexibility to purchase more than one item if needed. It can be used both in-store and online, which is helpful if your preferred baby gear is out of stock locally.
The coupon remains valid until October 18, 2025, allowing extra time to compare products and make a smart purchase after the event ends.
- 20% off a new car seat
- 20% off strollers or stroller wagons
- 20% off select baby gear (playards, high chairs, swings, rockers, bouncers)
What to do and tips for success:
Plan your visit early during the trade-in window to avoid missing out on popular car seats and baby gear, as in-store stock is often limited. Research your preferred products ahead of time so you can quickly use your coupon once it appears in your Target app.
The entire process is designed to be quick and contactless using the Target app. Make sure the app is downloaded and updated before you arrive, and sign in to your Target Circle account to ensure the coupon is saved correctly to your Wallet.
- Download and log in to the Target app before leaving home
- Check if your local Target store is participating in the event
- Bring any eligible car seat, even if it is expired or damaged
- Place the car seat in the designated drop-off box near the store entrance
- Scan the QR code on the box using the Target app
- Confirm the 20% coupon appears in your Wallet under Extra Offers
- Apply the coupon at checkout or use it for an online purchase
- Use the coupon early, as popular items may sell out quickly
Can I combine/stack coupons?
Yes, the 20% Target Circle Bonus coupon can be combined with certain Target discounts, which helps shoppers maximize their savings. You can stack it with Target Circle offers and the 5% REDcard discount when paying with a Target REDcard.
However, there are limits to how much stacking is allowed. The 20% trade-in coupon can only be used once per eligible purchase, meaning you cannot apply multiple 20% coupons to a single item or transaction.
As of this event, Target no longer allows registry coupons to be stacked on top of the car seat trade-in discount. Always review the terms in the Target app before checkout, as stacking rules and eligible promotions may change.
Are there restrictions or exclusions?
Yes — while the Target Car Seat Recycling Trade-In Event offers great savings, certain products are excluded from the 20% off coupon. Always check the Target app for the most current exclusion details before planning your purchase.
Some common exclusions include items sold through Target Plus and clearance products, which often do not accept the trade-in discount. Specific premium brands or specialty gear may also be excluded, so it’s smart to review the offer terms in the app before checkout.
Additionally, the coupon cannot be stacked with registry coupons, though it can be combined with Target Circle offers and the 5% REDcard discount if you’re using a Target REDcard at purchase. These restrictions help ensure the promotion aligns with Target’s current discount policies and partner agreements.
When is the next event?
If you’re not ready to part with your current car seat during the September 2025 trade‑in window, don’t worry Target typically hosts this recycling event twice a year. The next scheduled opportunity usually takes place in mid‑April, giving families another chance to recycle old car seats and earn savings on new gear.
Exact dates for the spring event are not announced yet, but Target traditionally runs it for about two weeks, similar to the fall timeframe. Keep an eye on Target’s official announcements or app notifications early in the year to catch the exact start and end dates.
Planning ahead is key, especially if you missed out on popular car seats or stroller styles during the fall event. Mark your calendar for April and stay tuned for updates so you can be ready when the next trade‑in event goes live.
Target Car Seat Trade-In 2025
The Target Car Seat Trade-In 2025 is a highly anticipated event that allows parents and caregivers to safely dispose of old, expired, or damaged car seats. By participating, families not only remove potentially unsafe car seats from their homes but also contribute to responsible recycling efforts.
Target accepts almost all types of car seats, including infant seats, convertible seats, all-in-ones, and boosters. This makes the program accessible to a wide range of families, regardless of the type of car seat they own. Participants are encouraged to check their local Target store to ensure participation.
In exchange for recycling their car seats, shoppers receive a 20% Target Circle Bonus coupon. This coupon can be applied toward a new car seat, stroller, or select baby gear, helping families save while upgrading to the latest safety standards.
When is the Target Car Seat Trade-In 2025
The Target Car Seat Trade-In 2025 event is scheduled from September 21 to October 4, 2025. This limited-time window gives families just under two weeks to drop off their old car seats and claim the associated rewards.
Planning ahead is essential, as popular car seat models and baby gear items often sell out quickly during the trade-in event. Checking availability and preparing your Target app in advance ensures a smooth experience.
Target also encourages families to participate early to take advantage of the coupon before supplies run low. Being proactive ensures that you can get the car seat or baby gear you want without missing out.
Target Recycle Car Seat
Recycling a car seat at Target is simple and environmentally responsible. All car seats collected through the program are sent to Ecotech, where reusable materials are converted into construction materials and Brightroom products.
Target’s recycling program helps reduce landfill waste significantly. Since its inception, millions of car seats have been recycled, preventing tens of millions of pounds of plastic and metal from being discarded improperly.
This program is particularly helpful in areas where municipal recycling programs do not accept car seats. Target’s initiative ensures that families everywhere have access to a safe and easy way to dispose of old car seats responsibly.
When is the Next Target Car Seat Trade-In
If you miss the September 2025 event, Target usually hosts a spring trade-in event in mid-April. While exact dates are not announced, it typically runs for about two weeks, giving another opportunity for families to recycle old seats.
Staying updated on Target’s announcements, app notifications, or website news early in the year ensures you don’t miss the next event. Planning ahead is important, as high-demand products can sell out quickly.
Families who participate in both the fall and spring events can benefit from recycling multiple car seats safely and taking advantage of the 20% discount on new baby gear each time.
Car Seat Recycling Target
The car seat recycling program at Target is designed to make disposal easy and environmentally friendly. Families can bring in expired, recalled, or damaged seats, and Target handles the recycling process through certified partners.
Participants are rewarded with a Target Circle Bonus coupon, encouraging the purchase of new car seats or baby gear. This not only promotes safe car seat practices but also offers savings on high-quality products.
Target’s initiative highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability and community safety. By participating, families help reduce waste while upgrading to modern, safer car seats.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Target Car Seat Recycling Trade-In Event?
The event allows parents to recycle expired, damaged, recalled, or unused car seats at participating Target stores and receive a 20% Target Circle Bonus coupon for new car seats, strollers, or select baby gear.
When does the September 2025 event take place?
The trade-in event runs from September 21 to October 4, 2025.
What types of car seats are accepted?
Target accepts rear-facing infant seats, infant bases, convertible seats, all-in-ones, harness-to-boosters, and both high-back and backless boosters.
How do I get the 20% coupon?
Place your car seat in the designated drop-off box at Target, scan the QR code using the Target app, and the coupon will appear in your Wallet under Extra Offers.
Are there restrictions or exclusions for the coupon?
Yes, the coupon cannot be stacked with registry coupons, and some exclusions apply, including Wonderfold, Doona, Target Plus items, and clearance products. It can be combined with Target Circle offers and the 5% REDcard discount.
Conclusion
The Car Seat Recycling Trade-In Event makes it easy for parents to dispose of old or unsafe car seats in a responsible way. By recycling instead of throwing them away, families help reduce landfill waste while ensuring expired or damaged seats are properly handled. The added discount on new baby gear makes the effort even more rewarding.
Taking part in a car seat trade-in event is a smart choice for safety, savings, and sustainability. It encourages parents to upgrade to safer products while supporting eco-friendly recycling programs. Overall, this event benefits families, communities, and the environment at the same time.
Michael is a car seat specialist with 4 years of experience in reviewing, testing, and guiding people on the best car seat choices. He creates clear, reliable content to help users make safe and confident decisions.