If you don't need your old car and it's not valuable enough to sell, car recycling is an excellent alternative. Not only will you receive cash for an otherwise unsalable and unwieldy hunk of metal, but you’ll also help the environment by putting the parts and materials to use and reducing demand for new ones. Here are the answers to some common questions about car recycling.

Top Car Recycling FAQ

How does car recycling work?

When a recycling center receives a car, they first inspect it for parts that are still usable and preserve them. Then, they remove materials that are recyclable, like tires, or hazardous, like lead components. Finally, the body of the car is crushed and shredded, and the metals are separated. Cars are usually about 75% recyclable. 

Can I only recycle cars?

If you have a motorhome, motorcycle, or trailer you no longer need, these can be recycled, too. Even boats can technically be recycled. You can strip these items yourself and bring the metal to a scrap yard, or, for enhanced convenience, let them handle the work. 

What paperwork do I need?

Just like when you sell your car normally, you need to transfer the title to the recycling center. The title must not have any outstanding liens. If you don’t have paperwork for the vehicle, a junkyard may still be able to take it if it’s abandoned, inoperable, or nonrepairable.

Do I need to remove my license plate first? 

Whenever you transfer your title, you should remove your plates, turn them into the DMV, and let them know that you’ve sold your vehicle. You can usually keep the license as a memento as long as you let the DMV know. If the recycler does receive a nonexpired plate, they’re required to remove it and store it securely until it’s destroyed. 

What are recycled parts used for?

Any parts removed whole can be restored and resold. Hazardous materials are safely disposed of by the recycling company, while reusable ones are used to make new products. The rubber from tires, for example, may be shredded into "crumb rubber," which is used to soften the ground on playgrounds. Iron and steel go back into a whole range of products, including new cars.

If you're interested in car recycling, bring your vehicle to Roadrunner Recycling in San Marcos, TX. They offer up to $10,000 for wrecked or broken-down cars in Hays County. They also accept other scrap metal. Their convenient service will take unwanted property off your hands and put it to good use. For questions about the process, call (512) 353-4511. Learn more about this business online.