Done with your child's car seat? Recycle it!

Have you got a car seat you no longer need because it's expired, damaged, or surplus to needs? Great news, you can recycle it for free at two upcoming events.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council and SeatSmart are collaborating to host two events, making it possible for local people to recycle car seats for free in September and October 2023.

Approximately 100,000 car seats expire annually, and many go to landfill if they aren't recycled. If these seats sat side-by-side, they would span the distance from Katikati to Te Puke.

These events mean there is an opportunity to divert damaged or expired seats from landfill – meaning that the materials can be recycled or repurposed.

Council's Resource Recovery and Waste Team Leader, Ilze Kruis, says it's one way the Western Bay of Plenty can prevent waste going to landfill and recycle responsibly.

“Teams dismantle the seats and separate out the materials to go on to be repurposed and recycled. For example, seatbelt straps can be used to make bags.

“Up to 67 percent of the car seat’s materials by weight are recyclable,“ adds Ilze.

“Many of our residents are probably unaware that car seats have an expiry date in terms of safety, and that they can be recycled. It's why we have teamed up with SeatSmart to deliver this service, free of charge to our community.”

The service will be available to Western Bay of Plenty residents at the Te Puke Recycling Centre on Sunday 24 September and the Katikati Recycling Centre on Sunday 1 September between 10 am and 3pm.

“All you need to bring with you is proof that you live anywhere in the Western Bay, and your car seat, and Council and SeatSmart will do the rest,” says Ilze.

Further information:

• Sunday 24 September - Te Puke Recycling Centre, Station Road, Te Puke; 10am-3pm.
• Sunday 1 October - Katikati Recycle Centre, Corner Tetley and Wills Road, Katikati; 10am-3pm.
• Any brand of booster, convertible seat or capsule can be accepted, but Council and SeatSmart are unable to recycle polystyrene seats, mouldy seats, or other accessories such as mirrors.
• If you can't make it to one of the two events, Baby on the Move in Tauranga can take your seats later, but there is a $20 fee at the store.