Target car seat trade-in begins in September: What to know

(NEXSTAR) – Target is once again set to launch a program popular with parents dreaming of freeing up a little space in their homes – the annual car seat trade-in event.

Customers who trade in an expired or unneeded car seats can exchange it at a local Target store for a 20% discount on a new seat, base, travel system or select baby home gear, which includes play yards, high chairs, swings, rockers, bouncers, walkers, entertainers and jumpers.

Target says trade-ins, which can be done from Sept. 21 through Oct. 4, 2025, will be accepted at drop-off boxes near guest services.

To get the discount, customers will have to be part of the Target Circle rewards program. Customers can scan signs set up near the drop boxes to receive the Circle bonus, which can be redeemed twice before it expires Oct. 18, 2025.

According to Target, which has been running the trade-in program since 2016, "materials from the old car seats will be recycled by Target's partners to create new products such as pallets, plastic buckets, construction materials such as steel beams and carpet padding, and select Brightroom items."

All stores will be participating, with the exception of small format locations.

Other options for getting rid of an old car seat include checking with one's local recycling program, or looking for donation and drop-off options at recycleyourcarseat.org.