How to Recycle Auto Scrap

An old car that has been stripped of its parts can be recycled.

A once-functioning car becomes auto scrap after the driver decides it is no longer worth driving and instead strips it of all its useful parts, which are sold separately. However, the remaining components can be taken to metal recycling centers, which have the proper equipment for recycling it.

Things You'll Need

• Auto title

Instructions

1. Contact a local recycling center or other scrap company to determine if they are willing to take auto scrap. Be sure to determine if the company is willing to come pick up the remaining auto scrap, or if you are required to deliver the scrap to the yard. If it is the latter, make arrangements to have the scrap delivered, such as by hiring a tow truck to do so. Generally, cars sold for scrap need to be movable, with tires on it, so that they can be easily hauled to where they will be recycled.

2. Deliver the automobile scrap to the junkyard or have the junkyard pick up the car. Most recyclers require that you have a clear title for the car, with no liens, to prove that you own it and have the right to sell it for scrap.

3. Have the recycling company process the scrap. Most companies are equipped with large industrial machinery designed to process scrap metal. Typically, the auto will be crushed before scrap is handed off to other industrial sources, which will be able to recycle it.

Tips & Warnings

• Donating an old car for auto scrap can have a financial incentive. Several companies will pay for the metal. If the car is donated for scrap to a nonprofit organization, it can be often written off as a charitable contribution for tax purposes.

References

• Junk-Yard.org: Trying to sell a car to a junkyard?