Next time you’re faced with an old car seat, don’t let it gather dust in your garage. Drop it off at one of these handy recycling points and give it a second life. Read on for our guide to car seat recycling in New Zealand.
Ever stared at an old, expired car seat and wondered what on earth to do with it? You’re not alone. Tossing it in the trash feels wrong, but it’s not exactly a piece of art for the lounge either. The good news? Recycling your car seat in New Zealand is easier than you think, and it’s a win-win for you and the planet. Here’s everything you need to know about car seat recycling in New Zealand and how to ditch that dusty seat sustainably.
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Here’s what you need to know about car seat recycling in New Zealand:
Why Recycle Your Car Seat?
Over 100,000 car seats expire in New Zealand every year. That’s a lot of plastic, metal, and fabric that could end up in landfills. If you’re wondering how to recycle expired car seats in New Zealand, recycling them is a great way to declutter your home and keep materials in the loop. By recycling expired car seats, you can help turn old seats into something new and useful, reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable future.
What Happens to the Seats?
Seats are dismantled piece by piece. The plastics? Repurposed into building materials. Metals? Recycled. Even the harnesses get a second life as reusable bags. Plus, the process provides paid work for disadvantaged groups—a win for the planet and the community.
Car seat recycling in New Zealand – where to go:
Baby Bunting + SeatSmart: Recycling Made Simple
Why It’s Awesome
Bought your car seat from Baby Bunting? Recycling is absolutely free. That’s right—zero cost for Baby Bunting customers. For everyone else, it’s just $25 per seat, down from the usual $35, thanks to their partnership with SeatSmart.
The Impact
Baby Bunting is helping tackle the massive waste problem by making recycling accessible. With over 100,000 car seats reaching the end of their life each year, this initiative is keeping heaps of plastic and metal out of our landfills.
Where to Drop Off
Head to any Baby Bunting store nationwide. From Auckland to Christchurch, they’ll take care of the rest. Click here for store locations.
Baby On The Move + SeatSmart: A Recycling Revolution
Why It’s Awesome
Baby On The Move is leading the charge in sustainable solutions. They’ve also partnered with SeatSmart to make car seat recycling straightforward. Since 2016, SeatSmart has recycled over 27,000 car seats — that’s 500 tonnes of waste diverted from landfills every year.
What It Costs
It’s $35 per seat, but your local council might help cover the cost. In some areas, recycling is even free or heavily discounted. Be sure to ask your nearest store about subsidies. There’s typically a fee to recycle a car seat, but if you’re replacing a damaged one through a Baby On The Move insurance partner, the cost is fully covered as part of the service.
Where to Drop Off
Find a SeatSmart collection point at any Baby On The Move store. Locations span from Auckland to Invercargill.
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SeatSmart’s Nationwide Collection: Recycling in Every Corner
Nationwide Access
If you’re not near Baby Bunting or Baby On The Move, don’t worry. SeatSmart has 39 collection points across the country, from Northland to Southland. In the Ashburton District, it’s even free, thanks to local council support.
Pricing Breakdown for Car Seat Recycling in Canterbury
- Christchurch: $35 per seat
- Selwyn District: $20 per seat (with council funding)
- Waimakariri District: $12.50 per seat for residents, $35 for non-residents
- Timaru: $5 per seat
Click here for car seat recycling in New Zealand costs in other regions.
Fees cover dismantling and recycling costs, but subsidies from councils can make it cheaper—sometimes even free! Always check with your local collection site for up-to-date pricing.
Stay Updated with SeatSmart on Facebook
Want to save on car seat recycling and get helpful tips along the way? Make sure to follow the SeatSmart Facebook page! They frequently post about community recycling events happening across New Zealand. These events often come with discounted recycling fees, making it even easier for families to do their part for the planet.
But that’s not all—these events are also a great opportunity to get advice on car seat installation, safety guidelines, and more. Whether you’re looking to recycle an old seat or ensure your current one is correctly installed, SeatSmart’s events and updates are worth keeping an eye on. Hit that follow button and stay in the loop with their latest initiatives.
Other things to note about car seat recycling in New Zealand:
Insurance Perks: Don’t Forget to Check
Had a car accident or replaced an expired seat? If you’re insured with IAG, they’ll cover the recycling fee. No extra cost for you. Just confirm the details with your provider to keep things stress-free.
What Car Seats Are Accepted?
You can recycle most types of car seats, including boosters, convertible seats, and capsules—regardless of the brand. However, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.
Not Accepted:
- Polystyrene seats
- Snap-and-go car seats
- Car seat accessories
Additionally, collection sites may turn away mouldy seats. These can pose health risks and risk contaminating other seats in the recycling process. So, make sure your car seat is clean and ready for its second life!
Car Seat Recycling in New Zealand In a Nutshell:
- Accessible Locations: With 39 SeatSmart collection points nationwide, recycling is a breeze.
- Eco-Friendly Impact: Recycling keeps tonnes of waste out of landfills while supporting the creation of new products from old materials.
- Community Support: The dismantling process creates jobs for disadvantaged groups.
- Stay Updated: Follow the SeatSmart Facebook page for community recycling events, discounts, and expert advice on car seat safety and installation.
- Free and Covered Options: Baby Bunting offers free recycling for seats purchased at their store, while Baby On The Move covers the recycling cost if you’re replacing a damaged seat through one of their insurance partners.
Click here for a list of SeatSmart drop-off locations.
Images credited to SeatSmart via Facebook
