Does Toys R Us Take Old Car Seats? Complete 2025 Trade-In Guide
Everything you need to know about Toys R Us car seat recycling program in Canada - Dates, coupons, and step-by-step process
Toys R Us Car Seat Recycling - Get 25% Off Coupon
Quick Answer
Yes! Toys R Us Canada accepts old car seats during bi-annual trade-in events (February & September). You receive a 25% off coupon toward a new car seat, stroller, or baby gear purchase. All car seat types accepted regardless of brand, condition, or expiration date.
2025 Toys R Us Car Seat Trade-In Event Dates
Upcoming Events
- Spring Event: February 17-23, 2025 (tentative)
- Fall Event: September 15-21, 2025 (tentative)
Note: Exact dates confirmed 2-3 weeks before event on toysrus.ca
What You Get: Trade-In Benefits
| Discount Coupon | 25% OFF |
| Valid On | Car seats, strollers, select baby gear |
| Coupon Expiry | 30 days from issue date |
| Where to Use | In-store only (not online) |
| Limit Per Customer | 1 coupon per car seat traded in |
| Environmental Impact | ♻️ Proper recycling, keeps 1 seat out of landfill |
What Car Seats Are Accepted?
✅ Accepted
- All brands (doesn't have to be from Toys R Us)
- Infant seats (rear-facing only)
- Convertible seats (rear & forward-facing)
- Forward-facing seats with harness
- Booster seats (with or without back)
- Expired seats (yes, they accept these!)
- Damaged seats (broken, stained, missing parts)
- Seats involved in accidents
❌ Not Accepted
- Car seat bases only (without seat)
- Car seat accessories (mirrors, toys, covers)
- Strollers (separate stroller trade-in events occasionally)
How the Trade-In Program Works: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Old Car Seat
- Remove covers, padding, toys (keep seat shell only)
- No need to clean it
- Bring the entire seat (base optional for infant seats)
- Check expiration date on back of seat (just for your info)
Step 2: Visit Toys R Us During Event Week
- Go to any participating Toys R Us or Babies R Us location
- Look for the recycling bin near customer service
- Hours: Regular store hours (typically 10am-9pm)
- No appointment needed
Step 3: Get Your Coupon
- Drop seat in designated recycling bin
- Ask staff for your 25% off coupon
- Coupon issued instantly (paper or digital)
- Read terms and conditions on coupon
Step 4: Shop & Save
- Use coupon within 30 days
- Browse eligible products (car seats, strollers, gear)
- Present coupon at checkout
- 25% discount applied to qualifying items
Best Car Seats to Buy with Your 25% Off Coupon
Budget-Friendly Options (Under $200 after discount)
Evenflo SureRide DLX - ~$150 after discount
- Regular Price: $199.99
- Your Price: $149.99 (25% off)
- Type: Convertible (rear & forward-facing)
- Weight Range: 2-29 kg (5-65 lbs)
- Why Buy: Excellent value, easy to install
Graco Extend2Fit - ~$187 after discount
- Regular Price: $249.99
- Your Price: $187.49 (25% off)
- Type: Convertible with extended rear-facing
- Weight Range: 2-29 kg rear, up to 29 kg forward
- Why Buy: Keeps kids rear-facing longer (safer)
Mid-Range Options ($200-$300 after discount)
Britax Boulevard ClickTight - ~$299 after discount
- Regular Price: $399.99
- Your Price: $299.99 (25% off = $100 savings!)
- Type: Convertible with ClickTight installation
- Why Buy: Easiest installation system, top safety ratings
Premium Options ($300+ after discount)
Cybex Sirona S - ~$450 after discount
- Regular Price: $599.99
- Your Price: $449.99 (save $150!)
- Type: Rotating convertible seat
- Why Buy: 360° rotation makes buckling easier
Where the Old Car Seats Go: Recycling Process
- Collection: Toys R Us partners with TerraCycle for recycling
- Disassembly: Seats are broken down into component parts
- Material Separation: Plastic, metal, fabric separated
- Recycling:
- Plastics → Recycled into new products
- Metals → Melted and reused
- Fabrics → Industrial applications
- Environmental Impact: Keeps ~4 kg of waste per seat out of landfills
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade in multiple car seats?
Yes! You get one 25% off coupon for each car seat you trade in. Bring 3 old seats = get 3 coupons (but each coupon can only be used once).
Do I need to bring proof of purchase?
No. Any car seat is accepted regardless of where you bought it or how old it is.
Can I use the coupon online?
No, the 25% off coupon is valid in-store only at participating Toys R Us and Babies R Us locations across Canada.
What if I miss the event dates?
You'll have to wait for the next event (typically 6 months). Sign up for the Toys R Us email newsletter to get notified of upcoming events.
Can I donate my old car seat instead of recycling it?
No. Never donate expired or accident-involved car seats. Canadian law prohibits selling or giving away expired safety equipment. The trade-in program ensures safe disposal.
Does Canadian Tire accept old car seats?
Some Canadian Tire locations accept car seats for recycling, but they don't offer coupons or discounts. Check with your local store.
Other Car Seat Recycling Options in Canada
If You Miss Toys R Us Events
1. Municipal Waste Programs
- Check your city's waste management website
- Some accept car seats at hazardous waste depots
- Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary have specific programs
2. Canadian Tire (Select Locations)
- Some stores accept for recycling (no coupon)
- Call ahead to confirm
- Part of their Product Care Recycling program
3. DIY Safe Disposal
- Cut all harness straps with scissors
- Write "EXPIRED - DO NOT USE" in permanent marker
- Remove fabric and recycle plastic separately if possible
- Dispose in regular garbage (as last resort)
Maximizing Your Savings
Stack Savings Strategies
- Trade-In Event + Sale: Use your 25% coupon during Toys R Us sales for extra savings
- Price Match: Toys R Us price-matches competitors, then apply your coupon
- Multiple Coupons: Trade in old infant seat + convertible = 2 coupons for upgrading entire family
- Combine with Credit Card Rewards: Use cash-back credit card for additional 1-2% back
Example Savings
Scenario: Buying Britax Boulevard ClickTight
- Regular Price: $399.99
- Trade-In Coupon (25% off): -$100.00
- On Sale (20% off): -$80.00 (applied first)
- Your Final Price: ~$240
- Total Savings: $160 (40% off!)
Tips for a Successful Trade-In
- Go Early in Event Week: First 2-3 days have best selection
- Research Before You Go: Know which seat you want to buy
- Check Stock Online: Use Toys R Us website to verify availability
- Bring All Old Seats: Even if you don't need coupons, it's good for environment
- Read Fine Print: Some exclusions may apply to ultra-premium seats
- Don't Forget to Use Coupon: 30-day expiry comes fast!
Need a Bigger Family Vehicle?
Upgrading car seats? Maybe it's time for a bigger vehicle too. Browse family-friendly SUVs and minivans.
Browse Family Vehicles
Last Updated: January 2025
Sources: Toys R Us Canada, TerraCycle, Transport Canada, Parachute Canada