Unknown to most, child car seats expire. And once they do, ways to get rid of them may be an issue. Thankfully, Shade Tree Garage is making efforts to recycled them. A special day has been designated in Morristown, NJ to kick-off the State’s first recycling effort for expired infant and child safety seats.

On Saturday, May 9, 2008, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, residents can go to the Morristown Town Hall Parking lot where they will learn how to take apart an infant/child safety seat and prepare it for recycling. After May 9th, the town will begin collecting properly disassembled car seats at curbside. Town residents will also be able to drop their disassembled car seats off at Shade Tree Garage and Marty’s Reliable Cycle in Morristown.

Most people are unaware that car safety seats expire five to six years after production. The plastics used in these seats deteriorate over time from sun and heat exposure and the seats become unsafe for use. Also, if a car seat has been in an accident, its protective qualities may be further compromised. Up to this point in time, owners have had two choices for disposing of the used or expired seats – giving them away or throwing them in the trash.

Charities and consignment or thrift shops have no way of screening the seats to know if they have expired or been in an accident and anyone picking up a car seat that has been placed at the curb for disposal are unknowingly putting their child at risk.

(Source) Press