Every year, millions of cars reach the end of their service life, many of which end up in landfills. However, virtually all of these vehicles are left with numerous parts that are still intact and functional. The materials left behind are easily recyclable and can often be sold as used auto parts for less than what it would cost to buy them brand new. If you want to help protect the environment and save on auto parts, peruse the list below.

Top 5 Recyclable Auto Parts

1. Engines

There are used engines of all makes and models that end up in salvage yards or get recycled. For example, engines are often rebuilt into more eco-friendly ones, which produce greener emissions and are sometimes less than half the price of a newly bought part.

2. Tires

Car tires are among the most abundant and most toxic types of waste. They are nonbiodegradable and leach high amounts of carcinogens and heavy metals into the environment. Because auto repair shops recommend that drivers change their tires prematurely, there are many used tires available on the market with between 40% to 70% tread depth. You can help minimize the waste by buying used auto parts like car tires from a salvage yard. And when they are completely worn out, you can bring them to your local recycling center where they are broken down and used for fuel.

3. Glass

Of the millions of windshields replaced every year, some are salvaged and resold and others just become environmental waste. However, some of them are pulverized and turned into new windshields, bottles, vases, and even fiberglass insulation.

4. Scrap Metal

The bulk of your used car is made up of metal from car rims to door handles. Scrap metal is recycled by crushing the car flat or cubed and sending it to a hammer mill for repurposing. It is more beneficial to recycle scrap metal rather than extract raw materials by mining. Mines are also one of the biggest producers of environmental waste.

5. Batteries

Used batteries are some of the most recycled auto parts in the United States. However, most law requires auto shops to bring the batteries back to their manufacturers or respective recycling centers. Doing so guarantees that the toxic chemicals inside the batteries do not pollute the environment. Most recycling centers and manufacturers recycle batteries to make new ones.

If you plan to sell your junk car soon, Stewart’s Used Auto Parts of Barkhamsted, CT, would be happy to assist you. This salvage yard is a member of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), Connecticut Auto Recyclers (CAR), and the End of Life Vehicle Solutions (ELVS). And if you need used auto part, they have plenty to choose from. For inquiries, call (860) 379-7541 or visit their website to view their services.