Some states offer recycling of car seats, however Ohio is not one of them. In Columbus, if your car seat is in good condition, you can drop it off at the Columbus Public Health Department for training purposes. It is located at 240 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43215. This would be a good option if you have car seats that have just expired. All car seats have an expiration date on them because after time, the metal and plastic components break down and can no longer provide extra protection. If your car seat is not in good condition, you need to remove all harnesses and padding from the car seat and place it in a dark trash bag so it cannot be reused. Never buy a car seat second hand at thrift stores or yard sales.

Some car seat manufacturers offer replacement of car seats involved in a severe accident. Sunshine Kids is one of them, although the requirements that must be met to qualify for an exchange are pretty exhaustive. The Public Health Department also has free car seat checks if you’d like to make sure your car seat is installed properly.