What Parts or Products in a Car Can Be Recycled?

Many car parts can be recycled, thus decreasing the need to manufacture more of the same parts. Recycling facilities will take most car parts and either resell them or break them down to use them to create new products. Local government offices can provide information on where to purchase recycled parts.

Tires

• Car tires can be recycled. America disposes close to 220 billion tires a year. Fortunately, about 80 percent of these are recycled. Recycled tires are used in pavement bases to build new roadways.

Glass

• Glass can be recycled over and over again. Recycled auto glass is used to make tile flooring, countertops, porcelain, glass beads and jewelry. Ten gallons of oil is saved with every ton of glass recycled.

Batteries

• Car batteries can be recycled to create new ones. Simply drop off a car battery to an automotive store that sells them.

Steel and Iron

• About 14 million tons of steel is recycled every year. Other countries such as China and India import scrap steel and iron and use it to create other products.

Other

• Other car parts that can be recycled are belts, rubber hoses, transmissions, radiators, mats, carpets, wheels, car seats and oil filters.

How to Recycle

• Drop off car parts at a local recycling facility. An entire car can also be dropped off so it can be dismantled and recycled. Before dropping off an entire car, drain all fluids.