Around 250,000 child car seats reach the end of their life in the UK each year, and roughly 90% of these end up thrown away. Here’s what to do with old car seats responsibly.
Why You Can’t Just Recycle Car Seats Normally
Car seats are difficult to recycle because they’re made from a mix of rigid plastic, metal, and fabric, strongly bonded together to withstand high-impact forces. Standard recycling plants often can’t separate these materials efficiently, which is why most councils don’t accept car seats in regular kerbside recycling.
Your Options for Old Car Seats
1. Local Recycling Centre
Take your car seat to your local household waste recycling centre. Some councils strip recyclable elements like metal and plastic before disposal, though this varies by area. Call ahead to check their specific policy.
2. Manufacturer Recycling Schemes
Some brands offer their own solutions. Silver Cross launched a free recycling service in 2021 including pick-up, while Maxi Cosi advises its seats can be recycled at local recycling centres.
3. Terracycle Baby Equipment Zero Waste Box
Terracycle offers a paid-for solution: purchase a box, fill it with baby products including car seats, and send it back using a prepaid label. Prices start around £136 for a small box, rising for larger sizes.
4. Household Waste Tip
If no recycling option is available, take the seat to your local tip rather than leaving it out with regular bin collection, as most councils won’t collect large plastic items like car seats.
Why You Shouldn’t Sell a Used Car Seat
It is not illegal to sell a used car seat in the UK, but it’s strongly discouraged. There’s no reliable way to verify a seat’s crash history, and seats involved in even minor accidents can have invisible structural damage that compromises safety.
Disposing of a Car Seat After a Crash
If disposing of a seat that’s been in an accident, cut the straps first to prevent anyone else from retrieving and using it, then dispose of it via your local tip or recycling centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a car seat in normal household recycling?
No, car seats can’t go in standard kerbside recycling due to their mixed materials. Take them to a household waste recycling centre or use a manufacturer scheme instead.
Is it safe to buy a second-hand car seat?
It’s not recommended, since you can’t verify whether a used seat has been in a crash, even if there’s no visible damage.
Related reading: shopping for your next family car? See our guide on best cars under £10,000.
Written by the Apriliapartsbuyer editorial team, covering UK car ownership and family guides.
