After foregoing the event last spring, Target is bringing back its popular car seat trade-in event, helping parents safely dispose of seats their children have outgrown—and get a discount on new merchandise.
Now through April 17, all Target stores will accept unwanted car seats in a drop-off box near the store’s Guest Services department. Participating customers, who must be members of the Target Circle reward program, will receive a 20% discount coupon, which can be used for a new car seat, car seat base, travel system, stroller, or select baby home gear including playards, high chairs, swings, rockers, and bouncers.
Up to two car seats can be traded in. Damaged or expired seats are eligible.
The twice-a-year program has been running since April 2016, but the retailer had to pause it last spring at the start of the pandemic. Target did do a trade-in event last September, however. The retailer says it has recycled 17.7 million pounds of old car seats—more than 1.1 million—since starting the program.
Partner Waste Management handles recycling of the materials.
Competitor Walmart has its own child seat recycling program, usually held in September. The company typically gives people who exchange a car seat a $30 gift card, which can be used on anything in the store, not just baby supplies. Walmart does not accept booster seats, however.
The program kicks off as many retailers look for ways to keep their competitive edge against Amazon and other large rivals. Earlier this year, Target announced plans to invest $4 billion per year to keep growing after 2020.