How to dispose of old car parts: sort them by type. Return rebuildable parts like alternators, starters, and batteries for core refunds. Sell clean metal parts such as rotors, brake drums, and exhaust pieces to a scrap yard. Recycle fluids, batteries, and tires through auto parts stores and tire collection sites. Treat airbags, fluids, and certain electronics with extra care, and keep oily parts out of household trash.
Where each part goes
| Part | Best option |
|---|---|
| Car battery | Auto parts store, scrap yard, or HHW; often a core refund |
| Alternators, starters, calipers, AC compressors | Core return when buying a replacement |
| Rotors, drums, steel wheels, exhaust | Scrap yard |
| Aluminum wheels, radiators, transmission cases | Scrap yard, often higher value |
| Catalytic converter | Licensed scrap buyers; many states require ID and records |
| Tires | Tire retailers or collection sites. See dropping off passenger car tires |
| Motor oil and filters | Recycling centers. See recycling used motor oil |
| Antifreeze, brake fluid | HHW or auto shops |
| Headlights, glass, plastic trim | Trash in most areas |
| Airbags | Do not trash live units; ask a salvage yard or the vehicle maker |
Core charges
When you buy a remanufactured part, stores often charge a core deposit refunded when you return the old part. Keep the box and receipt.
Scrap yards
Scrap yards pay by weight and metal type. Separating aluminum, copper, and steel usually earns more. Drain fluids and remove nonmetal parts first. See scrap yard versus landfill for clean metal.
Catalytic converters
Because of theft, many states require scrap buyers to document sellers and verify ownership. Expect to show ID and possibly vehicle paperwork.
Fluids and oily parts
Drain oil, coolant, and fuel from parts before scrapping. Drip-free parts are easier for scrap yards to accept. Oily rags and absorbents may need special handling; see what counts as household hazardous waste.
Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners
These contain pyrotechnic charges. Deployed airbags are generally safe to dispose of with scrap or trash, but live units should go to an auto recycler or be handled per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Whole vehicles
If you are scrapping an entire car, salvage yards often buy it whole and handle fluids and parts. Have the title ready.
Selling usable parts
Good used parts can sell online or to local mechanics. Many hobbyists want specific trim, lights, and interior pieces.
How to dispose of old car parts FAQ
Where can I get rid of old car parts?
Scrap yards, auto parts stores for cores and batteries, and tire sites for tires.
Do scrap yards take car parts?
Yes, especially metal parts, usually paying by weight.
What is a core charge?
A deposit refunded when you return the old rebuildable part.
Can I throw car parts in the trash?
Small nonmetal parts may be fine; metal, fluids, batteries, and tires should be recycled.
How do I dispose of an airbag?
Deployed airbags can usually be scrapped; take live units to an auto recycler.
The bottom line
How to dispose of old car parts: return cores for refunds, sell metal to scrap yards, recycle batteries, fluids, and tires through proper channels, and send live airbags to a salvage yard. Keep oily parts and fluids out of household trash.
Guides and tools
Motor oil and filter guide · Tire disposal guide · Battery recycling guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides