Target Launched Annual Car Seat Trade-In Program
Illinois families can recycle expired car seats and receive a 20% discount on new baby gear through October 3.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Child Care
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Target has launched its 10th annual car seat trade-in program, allowing parents across Illinois to recycle old seats and earn a 20% Target Circle bonus. The initiative coincides with Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs through September 27, 2026.
Why it matters
This program helps parents manage the costs of upgrading baby gear while ensuring that old, potentially unsafe car seats are properly recycled rather than reused or discarded. It aligns with Illinois law, which requires children under age 8 to be secured in an appropriate car or booster seat.
The trade-in program runs from September 20 through October 3, 2026, offering a 20% Target Circle bonus on baby gear. To date, the program has recycled 3.8 million car seats, totaling 63.7 million pounds of diverted material.
The players
Target
A national big-box retailer that provides home and family essentials and maintains an annual sustainability-focused recycling program.
Illinois State Police
The state law enforcement agency promoting child passenger safety awareness and providing education to families.
The details
Customers can bring old, unwanted, or expired car seats to participating Target stores for recycling. The program accepts all types of car seats, regardless of their condition or brand. In addition to the trade-in, Illinois state police are participating in Child Passenger Safety Week by offering free safety checks and education to help families ensure their children are properly restrained in vehicles.
Timeline
September 20-October 3, 2026: Target car seat trade-in program duration.
September 21-27, 2026: Child Passenger Safety Week observation.
The Home Front
This trade-in event provides a recurring opportunity for households to cycle out safety-expired equipment while adhering to Illinois child passenger restraint statutes. It reflects a broader trend of large-scale retailers integrating product-lifecycle management directly into the consumer shopping experience.
Check your child's current car seat for an expiration date, which is typically molded into the plastic frame or printed on a label. If it has expired, drop it off at a participating Target location to secure your discount and ensure it is processed for recycling.
The takeaway
Maintaining up-to-date safety equipment is essential for protecting children on the road. Parents should also take advantage of free safety checks provided by certified technicians during Child Passenger Safety Week to ensure their car seats are installed correctly.
Further reading
Learn more about local resources for families at Child Care.
Live Poll
Do you trust retail-led trade-in programs to make a meaningful impact on your household's sustainability?
