When is Target’s 2026 car seat trade-in? Program marks 10 years

WASHINGTON — Target’s popular car seat trade-in event is back for spring 2026. 

Those who trade in an old car seat or base will get a 20% discount for a new car seat, stroller or select baby gear. 

This year marks a decade since the bi-annual program was started by the Minnesota-based retailer.  

The trade-in program for 2026 returns Sunday, April 19 and runs through Saturday, May 2. 

After dropping off an old car seat in a designated box inside a Target store, customers will scan a QR code to get their Target Circle Bonus. 

Customers will then have until May 16 to redeem their 20% off discount, which can be used twice, according to Target’s website. 

Old car seat materials are recycled to create pallets, plastic buckets, steel beams, carpet padding, and even select Brightroom products sold at Target. 

The car seat trade-in event is held twice a year.

Since the program’s inception in 2016, more than 3.5 million car seats and 58 million pounds of materials have been recycled, according to Target.

Drop-off bins for the unwanted car seats will be placed near guest services inside participating Target stores. Customers can then scan signs placed near the drop-off boxes to redeem their coupons.

The 20% off bonus can be used toward a new car seat, car seat base, travel system, stroller or select baby home gear, including playards, high chairs, swings, rockers, bouncers, walkers, entertainers and jumpers, Target said. 

All stores, except for some small-format stores, will be taking part in the recycling event, but Target recommends contacting your local store for more information. 

Target will be accepting all kinds of car seats such as infant car seats, convertible car seats, car seat bases, booster car seats, as well as car seats that are expired or damaged. 

Melissa Hernandez De La Cruz contributed to this report.