Target Launched Annual Car Seat Recycling Program

The national retailer is accepting old car seats for recycling in exchange for a discount on new baby gear.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Child Care

Target Launched Annual Car Seat Recycling Program

Live Poll

Do you trust retail-led trade-in programs to make a meaningful impact on your household's sustainability?

Target has launched its 10th annual car seat trade-in program, inviting customers to drop off old seats for recycling to receive a 20% discount on baby gear. The initiative aligns with Child Passenger Safety Week to promote proper equipment use.

Why it matters

The program aims to minimize waste while helping parents afford necessary safety equipment for their children. By providing financial incentives for sustainability, Target encourages the removal of expired or damaged seats from circulation.

Target's trade-in program has diverted 63.7 million pounds of material from landfills over its 10-year history. Participants currently receive a 20% Target Circle bonus for qualifying baby gear purchases.

The players

Target

A major American retail corporation that operates thousands of stores and provides a range of consumer goods.

The details

Customers can bring used car seats to participating stores to be recycled by the retailer. Illinois state law mandates that children under the age of 8 must be properly secured in a car or booster seat, making the program a timely opportunity for families to upgrade equipment.

The car seat trade-in program runs from September 20 through October 3, 2026.
Child Passenger Safety Week is observed from September 21 through September 27, 2026.

Culture Shift

This program reflects a broader trend of large-scale retailers integrating circular economy principles into their business models. By extending the life of materials, the initiative helps mitigate the environmental impact of consumer goods while addressing mandatory safety standards.

Illinois residents can use the 20% discount bonus to update child seats that no longer meet safety standards or have reached their expiration date. Families should verify that their local store is participating before attempting to drop off equipment.

The takeaway

Maintaining up-to-date car seat equipment is essential for complying with state safety laws and ensuring the protection of young passengers. Using organized trade-in programs allows families to manage these necessary equipment upgrades while supporting environmental sustainability.