Does anyone know of any place that will take a used, older (from 2003) toddler car seat? I tried donating to the Salvation Army but they won't take it because it needs to be re-certified. I would hate to throw it away. It has never been in any accidents, just a little faded from use.
Thanks, to everyone who responded about car seat recycling. I know that the plastics in the car seats can become brittle and that is why they reccommend not using older ones but I just hated the thought of throwing it away. Fortunately for me, there were so many of you who suggested the recycle center at the Legacy hospital in Portland. I am glad that there is an outlet for the recycling of car seats. I know there are many people who can't afford to buy new ones and would gladly use one that has been recycled-but SAFE. Thank you, once again!
Carseats usually have a 6-year expiration date, so you probably won't find any place to donate it to for use. There are places that will recycle them. I believe Legacy Health Systems has regular carseat recycling events. You may want to call them to find out when the next one is.
Here's Legacy's info -- I recycled one of my seat a couple of months ago: PLEASE DO NOT FREECYCLE IT OR PUT IT OUT AT THE CURB. Plastics deteriorate and become brittle you won't know until your in a accident if it will fail -- if you wouldn't put your own child in it please don't put someone else.
The NW Portland location is the Legacy Recycling Center located at 1331 NW 21st (corner of NW 21st and Pettygrove). They accept donations from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
The N Portland location is Legacy Emanuel located at 2801 N. Gantenbein Ave. We ask that you make an appointment for M-F between 7 am and 4 pm to ensure that a Child Passenger Safety Representative is available.
Also, please remove all fabric, webbing and soft foam prior to dropping off the seat. We are unable to recycle these components at this point in time.
There is a group called freecycle that you can join, People on it are always giving away things or also asking for items they need. I think you go to www.freecycle.com to join. Then you can put in your town or city and usually there is a local chapter you can join. The one today for Gresham had someone giving away a rolltop desk that needs refinishing, someone else offering cardboard coasters. You never know what you'll see being given away there.
I don't know where you live but if you are in the Portland area Legacy Emmanuel Hospital has a carseat recycling a couple times a year. I'm sure other states and hospitals do this as well. You should do a google search, I'm sure you will come up with something.
Hope this helps.
Hello M.-
Try http://www.actsoregon.org they are the people who do the free carseat safety inspections. They may know where you can recycle the carseat.
I would also suggest you contact your local recycle center.
As for giving it away, it is not recommended to use a used carseat for safety reasons. Additionally, carseats have a lifespan. After a few years the plastic become brittle and unsafe. I don't think you'll find anyone to take it as a donation.
Good Luck-
R. Magby
If you are in Oregon, your local Child Welfare offie will take it and either use for transporting kids or give to a foster provider or family in need. That is what we did with our old seats.
The actsoregon is a great recommendation, too.
I don't know of any place that will take a six year old car seat for use again. However, I recommend to anyone who asks to take it to a place for recycling. ACTS Oregon does just that. Alliance for Community Traffic Safety is located at:
8059 SW Cirrus Dr. Beaverton, OR 97008. Phone is ###-###-####. Please tell everyone you know to recycle used car seats rather than throw them away.
A couple of things. There is a Charity called HOPE DOLLS that works with abused and neglected children - they come and pick up stuff from your home. Great for all sorts of donations for baby/kids. www.hopedolls.org. If they don't want the car seat, I am sure they would have a good suggestion.
Or, you can just post an ad for it on Craiglist in the baby/kids stuff section. Just say it is free. I am sure you will have someone come pick it up - you can just go to a Starbucks nearby and have them pick it up there if you don't want anyone coming to your home. You can screen the emails or ask them to call you so you can see if you are comfortable having them come by. You can also post when it will be available (date as starting at what time) and just put it on the curb by your home - someone will come pick it up. I have donated a few larger household items this way (e.g., patio furniture, etc), on a first-come-first-served basis.
