Everything you need to know about recycling cars
Cars and car parts includes:
Car parts
Car scraps
Mechanical parts
FIND A RECYCLER
Learn more about recycling cars
How to recycle cars
Car recycling is one of the oldest forms of recycling. Ever since cars were invented, companies have existed to salvage the metal and spare parts in dead cars.
Cars and car parts must be taken to or picked up by a recycler. There are commercial auto-parts recyclers operating all over Australia. These companies will generally offer both pick-up and drop-off services and most will pay market price for parts and/or scrap metal.
Use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you.
Why recycle?
Vehicles that are no longer in operation can be very valuable for their second-hand parts. Automotive repair businesses and car enthusiasts regularly visit car recycling yards to obtain functioning parts for vehicle repairs.
Car bodies are made with various useful components that can be stripped and reused or recycled as scrap metal. Second-hand car parts can offer as much as 50% savings on comparable new auto parts, creating value for our community. The seller also benefits as most recyclers will pay market price for your unwanted or damaged car bodies or parts.
The market for second-hands goods also reduces the demand for the manufacturing of new parts from new materials. Reusing or recycling car parts also prevents unwanted car bodies from becoming obsolete, resulting in valuable resources going to waste.
Auto Parts Recyclers Association of Australia Inc. (APRAA) is a national, non-profit industry association that has sought to improve the recycling of cars, especially from an environmental standpoint.
What happens to them?
All useful parts are stripped form the car including, liquids, batteries and mechanical parts which will be reused or recycled. The remaining vehicle hulks are crushed flat and transported to metal shredding companies who process them to recover metal. This metal, in turn, is used by steel mills and foundries to produce new steel products and other finished goods, including parts for new vehicles.
How to recycle car batteries
Used car batteries and other lead-acid batteries are hazardous waste and should be disposed of responsibly through commercial recyclers.
How to recycle tyres
Tyres can be recycled through commercial recyclers.
How to recycle motor oil
Used motor oil, or 'sump oil' is a hazardous waste item. When disposed of responsibly through a commercial recycler, the oil can be cleaned and reused.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a car can be recycled?
Cars are predominantly made from steel, which is infinitely recyclable. This means it can be recycled over and over again without any reduction in quality to the material. The other metals used in cars can also be recovered and recycled.
However, modern cars are increasingly made from mixed materials, including plastics, computers, and other synthetic materials, which are less easy to separate and recycle.
The good news is many car manufacturers are developing ways to reduce waste from vehicles when they have reached their end of life and vehicle recyclers are also improving their recycling capabilities.
If you need to recycle your car battery, use our free directory to find a recycler near you.
How are cars recycled?
When a car arrives at a recycling facility, all engine fluids are safely removed (and recycled wherever possible). Next, all salvageable car parts are removed for reuse or recycling. Finally, the steel and other metals are removed so they can be recycled into products like new car parts.
Most of the metals in cars can be recovered and recycled. However, many of the other materials used in modern vehicles, including plastics, computers, and other synthetics, are a little trickier to separate and recycle.
Fortunately, many car manufacturers are developing ways to reduce waste from vehicles when they have reached their end of life, and vehicle recyclers are also improving their recycling capabilities.
What type of steel are cars made from?
Cars are made predominantly of steel, which can be easily recycled over and over again without any reduction in quality. The types of steel used in cars may include stainless steel, high-strength steel, high-carbon, low-carbon, and galvanised steel. Most new cars are made from Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS).
Are plastic car bumpers recyclable?
Yes – plastic car bumpers can be recycled by some specialist plastics recyclers. Once collected, these can be shredded and used to make new plastic products. Plastic car bumpers may not be accepted by general car recyclers, so it is advisable to call in advance.
Can car parts be recycled?
Yes – many car parts can be resold as secondhand parts, reused in car repairs, or recycled. For example, metal car components are easily separated and reused or recycled. Car fluids, such as engine oils, can also be safely collected and recycled, and lead acid car batteries can also be easily recycled.
Are rubber car mats recyclable?
There aren’t many options for recycling rubber car mats, unfortunately. Therefore, you might like to consider some reuse options, such as using them in your garage, or as a pet bed.
If you need to get rid of your old car mat, you should not put it in your recycling bin at home. It should, unfortunately, be put in your garbage bin.
How to recycle a car
There are commercial auto-parts recyclers operating all over Australia. These companies will generally offer both pick-up and drop-off services and most will pay market price for parts and/or scrap metal. Use the search bar on this page to find a recycler near you.
