(NEXSTAR) — One of Target’s most popular events is about to return: the semi-annual car seat trade-in program.
While car seats seem relatively long-lasting, they do expire. According to Graco, most last between 7 to 10 years. Usage and changing temperatures — think about how hot the inside of your vehicle gets in summer versus how cold it can get in winter — create wear and tear on child seats, which can eventually make them unsafe.
Manufacturers like Graco recommend disposing of an expired child seat “in a way that it won’t be reused by anyone.”
Target, during its car seat trade-in program, will take expired, damaged, and old car seats in exchange for a 20% Target Circle Bonus for customers.
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The program, which was last available in September, will run from April 27 to May 10 this year, Target said Monday.
When the event starts, you’ll be able to bring the old car seat to your local Target and place it in the designated box. Then, you’ll be invited to scan the QR code on the box with your phone. You’ll be prompted to “Add to Target Circle Bonus.” The bonus, which will apply to a new car seat or baby gear (high chairs, rockers, bouncers, walkers, jumpers, playards, and entertainers qualify, per Target), will appear in the Wallet tab of your Target app.
You can use that bonus twice before it expires on October 12, according to Target.
Some small format stores may not participate in the event. Target recommends calling your local store for additional information.
Since launching the program in April 2016, Target says it has recycled nearly 50 million pounds of car seat materials. Its spring 2024 event was its largest ever, with nearly 440,000 car seats turned in.
Those car seats are turned into new products, including pallets, plastic buckets and construction materials, according to Target. You can find more details about the car seat trade-in program at Target’s website.
If you’re a frequent Target shopper, you’ll also want to note an upcoming schedule change: Target stores nationwide will be closed for Easter Sunday this year.
