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Reducing your vehicles carbon footprint is as easy as 1…2…recycle.
Basic maintenance on any vehicle involves the constant replacement of its old, worn parts. Did you ever think about the number of parts a vehicle goes through in a typical year? We\’re talking about a lot, such as old tires, depleted batteries, used oil, etc. These parts were made to be replaced on a regular basis, and many of them can and should be recycled regularly.
Keep reading to discover the top 6 common recyclable automotive parts.
Contents
- Oil
- Oil Filters
- Batteries
- Tires
- Scrap Metal
- Auto Glass
1. Oil
The number one recyclable part on your vehicle is its oil. Conventional motor oils are reliable for three months by most automotive standards. Synthetic oils will last a bit longer, but they can also be more expensive. Either way your vehicle goes through a lot of oil over a years time. If you take your vehicle to a service shop to have its oil changed, it should be getting recycled already, but if you do the work yourself, be sure to bring the used oil to your nearest recycling center.
2. Oil Filters
Oil filters are also recyclable once the oil is completely drained from its reservoir. For more information on filter recycling centers in your area, visit the Filter Manufacturers Council website for more information.
3. Batteries
It is essential that you are recycling every single one of your vehicles batteries. Not only is the lead found within the battery extremely toxic, it is also just too easy to properly recycle a used battery. In the US, most states have a take back law which offers a cash/money incentive for the exchange of any old battery for a new one.
4. Tires
Probably the next most recyclable part on a vehicle is its tires. Tires take up a lot of room in landfills and are not exactly biodegradable. Your best bet is to bring them to your nearest recycle center once they have used up the last of their useful life. From here they will be turned into any number of things, such as fuel, artificial playground turf, or various other products.
5. Scrap Metal
Any metal part from your vehicle is fundamentally recyclable. In certain cases some parts may even fit within the guidelines of your curbside recycling program. Some statewide guidelines require the object weigh less than 336 pounds, fit in the bin with the lid completely closed, and not contain any fluids (oil, antifreeze, etc). This leaves open the possibility for such various damaged/worn metal scrap as headlight bezels, side mirrors, door handles, etc. This however usually does not include mufflers, catalytic converters, brake shoes, and spark plugs. Larger pieces of scrap metal (steel wheels, doors, fenders, radiators, etc.) can also be brought to your local salvage/wreckage yard, occasionally for a small cash reward.
6. Auto Glass
Most broken windshields regretfully end up in the landfill. Automotive safety glass is not the same as regular glass, and therefore cannot be recycled at just any facility. While certain organizations have been working to organize processes to recycle automotive glass, it has not caught on in every state. If your local area does not have an automotive glass recycling program, the next best thing is to support the various products being made from it. Such products include floor tile, counter tops, jewelry, and drinking glasses.While recycling may not always be easy, it is essential to the earth\’s survival. By recycling, you are not only bringing attention to this industry as a viable business concept, you are also doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint, one step (or iron scrap) at a time!
Originally Published: Dec 6, 2011
Recycle Automotive Parts FAQ
Can car parts be recycled?
Yes. Six automotive parts you can recycle are oil, oil filters, batteries, tires, scrap metal and auto glass.
Can you get money for old car parts?
Larger pieces of scrap metal (steel wheels, doors, fenders, radiators, etc.) can be brought to your local salvage/wreckage yard, occasionally for a small cash reward.
What is the most valuable part of a car?
Three of the most valuable parts of a car include the engine, transmission system and catalytic converter.
What can you do with old car parts?
Any metal part from your vehicle is fundamentally recyclable. In certain cases some parts may even fit within the guidelines of your curbside recycling program.
How do you dispose of oil?
If you take your vehicle to a service shop to have its oil changed, it should be getting recycled already, but if you do the work yourself, be sure to take the used oil to your nearest recycling center.
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