Need Advice Old Car Seats

I have old car seats (past expiration date) that I know can be thrown in the trash, but I was wondering if there was someplace that these can be recycled. I just hate the thought of throwing these things away and them just sitting in the landfill.

I do know that Babies R Us has a trade in period but I think I have already missed that this year.

Any ideas?

 

You might want to call the local women's shelter or the hospital's maternity ward and see if there are any parents that can't afford a new one. They may not accept used/expired car seats but it's worth a shot.

 

They have an expiration date for a reason... they are no longer safe! Please don't try to donate them!!!

While I don't know of a local organization who recycles used seats, if they are put out for trash it is recommnded that they be taken apart so noone else tries to use an expired or damaged one.

 

Here's a link that offers a thorough explanation as to why car seats should not be used after the expiration date. http://baby.about.com/od/healthandsafety/f/car_seat_expiration.htm

 

When I was looking about a year ago, I couldn't find a way to recycle them :-(. I even called Patriot.

Please make sure you take apart the car seat and/or at least cut the straps so that it can't be re-used. It's a shame to waste what seems to be a good carseat, but I personally would feel horrible if my carseat failed in an accident and a child was killed.

 

It so disappointing that these things aren't recyclable. The last place I will check is the fire dept. Maybe they can use them for training purposes? If not they will be going in the trash.