How to Dispose of a Used Car

Responsible disposal of used vehicles protects the environment from harmful contaminants.

Getting rid of a used car offers an opportunity to earn or save money. Selling, trading-in, donating or stripping your car for scrap are responsible disposal methods that incidentally offer financial incentives. Selling or trading can contribute money towards the purchase of a new vehicle. Donating a used car to charity can result in a hefty tax deduction depending on the market value of the vehicle. Used cars dating from 1995 or older should usually be stripped for scrap or parts resale.

Things You'll Need

• Used car
• Telephone
• Internet connection

Instructions

Choosing a Disposal Path

1. 

   Cars that have little market value or are older than 1995 should usually be sold for scrap.

   Determine the market value of the used vehicle. Check with Kelley Blue Book or another automobile appraisal service to ascertain the market value of the vehicle. If the value is low, consider stripping for scrap or parts resale. Earth 911 can provide a listing of auto and parts salvage companies in your area.

2. 

   Trading in your vehicle takes the pain out of title transfers in used car disposal.

   Decide whether you are disposing of your used vehicle to replace it with a new vehicle. Selling or trading in the used car will bring a financial award that can be immediately applied to the purchase of a new car.

3. Find a charity that accepts vehicle donations. Vehicle donations to recognized nonprofit organizations are tax deductible. Ensure that the charity provides all of the necessary proof of the recognized value of your vehicle and what was subsequently done with it (Did the charity sell for scrap or give it to some one?). This information will be necessary for reporting the non-cash charitable donation as a tax deduction.

4. Strip the car for parts and resell. Vehicles older than 1995 lack modern emissions and fuel-efficiency technology and should be destroyed or sold by part. You can advertise any parts of the car that are still in working order in your local newspaper classifieds or Craigslist. Some non-working parts can also be resold to mechanics shops and salvage yards. If your car has a unique body-style or make, the shell of the vehicle can also be individually sold to car enthusiasts and refurbishers.

5. Freecycle your used car. Freecycle is a new method of barter or swapping one's unwanted personal property in exchange for something else. Add your used vehicle to a freecycle group and see what you are offered in return.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to salvage or strip your vehicle for parts, be careful to properly dispose of hazardous chemicals. Antifreeze, transmission fluid, motor oil, gasoline, and batteries are some of the several environmentally dangerous chemicals found in motor vehicles. Earth 911 shows hazardous chemical disposal options near you.

References

• Green Your: Dispose of Car Waste Properly
• MSNBC, Today, Technology and Money, 10 Tips: How to Donate Your Car To Charity
• FutureCars.com: Environmentally Friendly Car Disposal
• Cars Direct: The Greenest Ways To Dispose of Your Car

Resources

• Earth911
• Car Allowance Rebate System: FAQs
• Kelley Blue Book: Car Valuation
• Internal Revenue Service: Publication 4303, Donating Used Vehicles to Charity
• Freecycle