A normally frustrating topic to research has a happy ending this month with car seat recycling! Used.ca has teamed up with the  Gibsons Recycling Depot and will be accepting expired car seats on Sunday, September 30th from 11:00 AM -4:00 PM at the fabulous Bellies to Babies Celebration  in Vancouver, BC.

We know from being moms that expired car seats are very difficult to dispose of with an earth-friendly focus because very few recycling centers take them. We are pleased that Gibsons Recycling Depot will be de-constructing car seats and recycling the metal and plastic base of the seats. Parents can bring intact car seats (no need to remove fabric or foam) and Usedvancouver.com will be collecting and delivering to the depot. Keeping items like this out of the landfill is a main focus of Used.ca and they are thrilled to be sponsoring this project!

How do I know my car seat has expired?

If you have a child that is using a booster seat or out of car seats all together, check the expiry date of the car seat gathering dust in your garage. If you can only locate the model number on the car seat base, call the manufacturer and ask what the manufacture date is and how long until expiry. Chances are you’ll be able to find model number and date of manufacture similar to this on the base of the infant car seat or 5-point harness:

Many of the newer car seats have longer expiration dates, but typically the number of years is 6. If your car seat has not expired but you have finished using it, there are two options before you think of passing it to a friend or selling it at a yard sale or online: call the manufacturer and check that the model number adheres to the new regulations set forth by Health Canada announced in January 2012. This removes liability from you if the car seat is involved in an accident.

Why is this initiative special?

Parents know how difficult  it is to dispose of car seats. Normally the answer to responsible car seat disposal includes parents removing car seat fabric, foam, cutting off buckles/straps, and only recycling the plastic car seat base. We think that parents shouldn’t have to worry about inhaling flame retardant chemicals that are used in every car seat’s foam interior – just bring car seats to the Bellies to Babies Celebration and drop-off at our Usedvancouver.com tent located outside the event. There is normally a charge for this service and it’s being absorbed by Usedvancouver.com – more good news! Spread the word and let Lower Mainland parents know this great initiative is happening September 30th.

I know I have two car seats in my garage that have been sitting and waiting for this opportunity that look like this!  How many do you have?

 Not from Vancouver? Let us know if you’re interested in car seat recycling in your town!