What you Need to Know About Car Seats: Tips for Reuse, Recycling, and Resale
While there is a lot written about what to do with your car seats in terms of proper use, safety and installation, there are many parents out there that are also curious about what to do with their car seats once they are done with them. Are they safe to use for another child? Where can you dispose of them when you no longer need them?
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What to do with a Car Seat When you No Longer need it
Parents have a number of options for car seats once they are finished with them:
- Hand me downs: As long as the car seat meets all safety standards and is in good shape, you can use them again if you plan on having another child in the near future.
- Selling: There are many places that you can sell your slightly used car seat, especially online. But, only sell it if it has not been in an accident, is in good condition, and is not expired.
- Donate: You also have the option to donate your car seat. There are many community organizations that would be happy to take it off your hands.
- Recycle: You have two main options when it comes to recycling your old car seat. You can either dismantle it and separate it into part by material and recycle them. There are also a number for organizations such as Kidseat Recyclers that will happily take your old seat and recycle it for you.
Tips for Buying Pre-owner Car Seats
If you are thinking about saving some money and purchasing a pre-owned car seat or booster seat, buying a gently used car seat is a good option. However, there are a number of very important things that you need to be looking for. Car seats are very different than other used items and they must at a minimum meet the following criteria:
- The car seat has never been involved in an accident
- The car seat has not expired or past the manufacturing date for use
- It is free from cracks, significant wear and tear, and the straps are in good working order
- It comes with all parts and instructions
- It is an approved car seat by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
- It meets all requirements by Health Canada
Be careful when buying a used or pre-owned car seat. The last thing you want to do is put your child in potential danger, regardless if it was unintentional.
Have you purchased a pre-owned car seat in the past? Tell us about your experience with it? What do you do with your child car seats once you no longer need them?