Tips on Recycling Car Bodies

Got an old junker sitting on your property? Recycling is the solution for removing that eye sore.

Automobiles are the most recycled product in the U.S. It is very easy to recycle an end-of-life vehicle (ELV). Many businesses will pay you a small sum to take your vehicle; sometimes they will tow it from your property for free.

Some car body recycling centers have requirements for vehicles being brought in. These criteria include handling items that make the recycling processes difficult. Do not attempt to do these modifications yourself if you are unsure – take your car to an authorized mechanic:

• You should remove gasoline or diesel fuel and remove the entire liquefied propane gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) tank if the vehicle was equipped with one.
• The engine oil and coolant should be drained.
• The air conditioning refrigerants should be removed by a licensed recycler.
• The battery should be removed.

Another way to dispose of your car is by donating it to a charity. Be certain that you are offering your vehicle to a legitimate charity, and research the new IRS rules for donating cars before claiming your deduction.

In the United Kingdom, several car companies, such as Chevrolet and BMW,  offer car take-back programs as product stewardship initiatives. For example, if you own a BMW brand vehicle, you can return it to a BMW site to be recycled free of charge.