How to recycle what goes into and on your car

Many Earth Day programs center around recycling everyday products such as consumer electronics. But did you know you can do your part when it comes to your car, too?

Charity organizations offer car-donation programs through you can get rid of your vehicle and possibly get yourself a tax deduction while helping others. One example is Kidney Cars, which recycles 15,000 cars a year, plus 60,000 tires and 30,000,000 pounds of steel. Donated vehicles are sold at auction, or their parts are sold and salvaged. Money from the parts and cars is used to finance research, disease screenings, and education.

Do a Google search for other local and national charities that you can support through vehicle donation. Seek established organizations with a good reputation, ensuring your donation provides the assistance you intend. (Find out how to make sure your donation counts.)

Besides donating an unwanted car, you can also recycle what goes into and on your car.

• Antifreeze and motor oil: If a service station drains the radiator or changes your oil, make sure its plans to recycle or dispose of the fluids properly. Some states require this. If you do the work yourself, find a collection center where you can dispose of it properly; start with your municipal public-works department. Just two gallons of used oil can generate enough electricity to run the average household for almost 24 hours. Used oil can also be re-refined into new engine lubricants and processed into fuel oils for furnaces and power plants. Even used oil filters, which contain scrap metal, can be reused by steel manufacturers.
  
• Batteries: About 90 percent of old batteries are recycled. And those materials are then recycled right back into new batteries. To do your part, take the old battery back to the place of purchase—often there will be a rebate incentive to do so. You can also look up local recycling centers online or in the phone book. 
• Tires: Typically, when you buy a new set of tires, the dealer will recycle the worn set. If you have extra old tires, contact a tire store to see whether it will accept them. Check with your town, county, or state to see whether it has a special day for items not accepted in the regular trash collection or drop-off center. In 2009, more than 87 percent of the 259 million used tires were reused or recycled, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association. While about half were used for industrial purposes such as fueling cement kilns and pulp and paper mills, the next two top uses were for construction and the rubber-products industry, which includes athletic surfacing.

To learn more about recycling, visit our GreenerChoices.org website.

—Liza Barth