Types of Auto Parts Recycling


One of the least talked about aspects of the recycling movement is auto recycling. Parts, fluids from the vehicles, and car batteries can all be recycled to improve the state of the environment, reduce costs for replacement parts, and save valuable time. One of the first things you will want to learn about auto recycling is what can be reused and what can't. It will also be necessary to learn about your options on where you can dispose of your car's used fluids. Just to get you started, let's begin with the various fluids of a car and what you can do with them.

It doesn't really matter if you like the do it yourself approach to taking care of your car or prefer to have the local auto shop do it for you. Either way, it's simple to have your car's fluids disposed of properly. Naturally, if you opt for the professional tune up, the task of recycling auto parts, at least of the fluid variety is very simple. The technicians in the shop will take care of it for you. If you happen to fall into the other category and take care of tune ups yourself you need to know which vehicle fluids can be recycled and where to take them. Keep in mind that motor oil and transmission fluid can both be recycled especially when you have placed the used materials in acceptable containers. Gear oil, power steering fluid, and hydraulic oil also fall into the recyclable department. Most of the better auto parts stores have programs where you can take your used fluid car materials and they will send them along to the proper recycling facility free of charge to you.

Another type of auto parts recycling you can get in on is battery recycling. A typical vehicle battery can contain up to 21 pounds of lead, a gallon of sulfuric acid, and 3 pounds of plastics. That's a lot of garbage to try to throw in a landfill. It is also a bad combination from a health point of view. Just like with the car fluids, you can have your mechanic dispose of your used car battery properly or you can take the used battery to a service center yourself for disposal. All of the major components in the battery can be cleaned and reused in all kinds of applications.

Once your vehicle has become too old to repair anymore or the car is damaged past repair, another aspect of auto parts recycling you can't overlook is scraping the car. Salvage yards and auto recycling centers then use your old car for parts to repair other vehicles of the same or similar makes and models. This practice saves resources from the earth as well as money from the consumer's pocket.