How Parents Can Take Advantage of Walmart's Car Seat Trade-In Program (2024)

If you love Walmart's car seat trade-in event, we've got the details on new car-seat trade in programs for 2023. Find out when to trade in your seats, what you can trade in, coupons you will receive, and more.

Did you know that car seats expire? If you have an expired car seat or even just an old car seat your child has outgrown, hang on to it so you can bring it to stores like Walmart in time for their next car seat trade-in! At the 2019 car seat trade-in event, parents were eligible for a $30 Walmart gift card with every car seat trade-in.terracycle

Walmart Car Seat Trade In Details

Walmart’s first ever car seat trade-in program happened September 16th - 30th, 2019, and they are gearing up for another, due to the overwhelming response at their last car seat recycling program, where they reached capacity in less than a week! Walmart collected nearly one million car seats, which is the equivalent of diverting over 200 million plastic bottles from landfills, according to their partner, TerraCycle.

Walmart teamed up with TerraCycle to recycle used car seats. The extra $30 Walmart gift card is definitely a bonus, but you can also feel good knowing that your car seat is avoiding landfills.

Here’s How It Works

Find a participating Walmart Store - a super fast search will show you all local stores accepting car seat trade ins.
Bring your seat to the Customer Service Desk to be recycled
Receive a $30 Walmart Gift Card that can be used in store or online.

It’s really that simple! Many Walmart locations will also be hosting free events in honor of National Baby Safety Month, although it's definitely possible that these events will be virtual for the time being, as long as COVID-19 is still in our midst. In the past we saw everything from diaper challenges to stroller testing, and we are excited to see what they offer next. Although we hope the COVID pandemic will finally have passed by the next car seat recycling event, whatever the format, these informative and fun events are a great way for parents to learn more about their child’s safety and test out the latest gear.

For additional details, check out the Walmart event page. If you aren’t sure when your child’s car seat expires, now is a great time to find out!

The Fine Print

Limit 2 trade ins per household (limit 2 gift cards)
Booster Seats are not accepted

How it Compares to the Target Car Seat Trade-In

Target also offers a car seat trade-in program, with their partner, Waste Management.

Here's a quick comparison of the two retailers’ car seat trade-in events:

Target	Walmart
In partnership with Waste Management	In partnership with TerraCycle
Accepts old car seat from all brands	Accepts old car seat from all brands
Booster seats accepted	Booster seats not accepted
Receive a coupon for 20 percent off a new car seat, stroller, or select baby gear	$30 Walmart gift card included, limit 2 gift cards per household

Check out all of the details for Target's trade in program here, plus information on car seat expiration and safety.

Looking to save on baby items? Consider buying used, but first check out The Baby Items You Should Never Buy Used (+2 That Are BetterSecondhand).

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