Automotive fluids can generally be recycled at local service stations. Motor and brake oil, transmission fluids, antifreeze, batteries, and tires can all be recycled and generally are recycled if you use a service station. Do it yourself car care means having to go that extra step to take the waste to the proper place. Call your local recycling contact or services station for some ideas.

When you think of recycling, would you think of hauling your car, boat, or other automotive to a recovery facility? Probably not. There are other great ways in Michigan to make sure your auto gets recycled or reused.

If your vehicle is still in decent, functioning condition, consider donating it to an organization that can pass it on for reuse to a family in need.

• The Workers on Wheels program through Goodwill Industries accepts donations to provide needy families with transportation.
• Make A Wish has a similar program, Wheels for Wishes. In this case, your donated vehicle will be sold by the Make a Wish foundation, with all proceeds benefiting their campaign.
• Volunteers of America will also take auto donations with proceeds supporting their charity work.

Many of these options offer a tax deduction. Check with the program you are interested in and the State of Michigan to see if your donation will qualify. **Note: The Michigan Recycling Coalition does not endorse any of the programs listed above – they are listed here as resources. Be sure to research the program you choose carefully before donating a vehicle. 

If your vehicle is not functional anymore, you can still find a way to recycle it. Many salvage yards buy “junk” cars, boats, and motorcycles to harvest the functioning parts, which can then be resold. The remaining portion of the vehicle is often crushed and recycled into new steel. Check with salvage yards in your area to see what their recycling process is like. In Michigan, 98% of all vehicles are recycled.

Watch this video on the lifecycle of a car: