Reduce Your Footprint and Give Your Vehicle More Life
Recycling can help you reduce your carbon footprint and give your old car a new lease of life. Recycling your car parts will give another vehicle a chance to live longer. It also reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. What is the best way to recycle your car parts? Where can you recycle items? Learn more about 15 car components that can be recycled or reused, giving your vehicle or another’s more road time.
Engines
You probably “know” engines can be recycled but do you know how it works? It’s possible to salvage your old engine if you need to replace one due to a malfunction. Many gearheads and mechanics have completed some amazing projects using used engines. Even if you cannot salvage your engine, it can be disassembled for engine parts. Call us to find out if we can assist, or visit your local parts store to ask them if they know anyone who can.
Batteries
It is true that car batteries are among the parts of a vehicle which have a high recycling rate. This is great but there’s always room for improvement. Many states have laws to prevent people from disposing of their batteries in an improper manner. Check your state’s laws to see what they are. If not handled properly, car batteries contain materials that can be extremely toxic to the planet. Most old batteries will then be recycled into new ones to power the next vehicle.
Tires
Tires CAN be recycled. Tires aren’t very biodegradable, so recycling them is important. Tires that are too worn to be reused on another vehicle can still be shredded and used for other things, such as playground surfaces or asphalt.
Transmissions
Transmissions can be disassembled, refurbished and reused, just like engines. Rebuilt and refurbished transmissions have been said to be more reliable than originals and last longer.
Gas Tanks
Did you know your gas tank could be recycled? Your gas tank can be recycled after removing the gas (which is also recyclable).
Filters for Oil and Oil
Your engine oil as well as your oil filters are recyclable – it also makes a huge difference! You can rest assured that the used oil and filters will be disposed of correctly if you have your oil changed at a local facility. Ask a local auto part store if it will recycle old oil if you change your oil yourself.
Glass
Glass is a non-biodegradable material that takes a long time to break down. This is why you should recycle your car’s windshield or any other glass parts. Glass from car windows can be recycled to make bottles, floor tiles and jewelry.
Scrap Metal
It’s surprising that scrap metal is worth money. The value of scrap metal is usually determined by the weight. You can recycle your unwanted scrap metal by taking it to your local scrap yard.
Starters & Alternators
Both starters and alternators have hidden valuable materials. You can earn money for your starter or alternator by bringing it to a recycling company, salvage yard, or junkyard. You can rebuild your starters and alternators to extend the life of your car.
Fluids: Gas, Coolant and Windshield Cleaner Fluid
You can recycle, reuse, or clean up a lot of fluids in your vehicle. Do your research to find local recycling centers or, if you feel confident, do it yourself.
Water Pumps
The water pump is another car part that can be recycled and reused! Not only are water pumps vital to your vehicle’s function, but they are also known to last a long time! When you’re ready to sell your car, don’t discount the value of its water pump.
Vehicle Plastics
All plastic from your car can be recycled and used to make new products. Dashboards, bumpers, and other car plastics can be recycled and reused. You’ll never know what your car could be used for in the future.
Belts & Hoses
If they’re in good condition, belts and hoses are also reusable! These are important parts of your vehicle that can be easily transferred to another vehicle if one vehicle loses its life.
Catalytic converters
Catalytic converters are part of the exhaust system in your vehicle. They transform contaminants to make them less harmful for the environment. Catalytic converters can be recycled for money. Ask your car dealer, local auto shop or exhaust shop if they can recycle your converter.
Vehicle Carpets & Mats
There are many ways to get rid of carpet. You can do a lot for your community with just a small amount of effort.
