Ten Car Components That Can Be Recycled

As the world pushes toward greener practices, vehicle recycling is becoming a key part of the circular economy. In the UK, nearly 1.4 million cars are scrapped every year—and thanks to modern recycling standards, up to 95% of each vehicle's weight can now be reused, recovered, or recycled.

At Mainline Salvage, we take environmental responsibility seriously. As an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), we ensure all vehicles we process are dismantled and recycled in line with UK regulations. Here's a look at ten major car components that can—and should—be recycled.

1. Engine Oil

Old engine oil doesn't go “bad”—it simply becomes dirty. Used oil can be collected, cleaned, and reused. Recycling oil helps prevent soil and water contamination and reduces the need for new oil production.

2. Windows and Windscreens

Although made from laminated glass (a mix of plastic and glass layers), windscreens and side windows can now be recycled. They are often reused in manufacturing glass bottles, fibreglass insulation, or even new vehicle glass.

3. Scrap Metal

Cars are heavy on metal—steel, aluminium, copper—and much of it is recyclable. Everything from body panels and engine blocks to axles and door handles can be melted down and reused in manufacturing, helping conserve raw materials.

4. Car Batteries

Car batteries, especially traditional 12V lead-acid types, are among the most important components to recycle. When processed correctly, lead, plastic, and acid are all recoverable. It’s illegal in the UK to dispose of car batteries in general waste due to the risk of toxic chemical leakage.

For electric and hybrid vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are also recyclable, although more complex. Metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel can be recovered for reuse in new EV battery production.

5. Tyres

Used car tyres are not biodegradable and can cause severe pollution if burned or dumped illegally. Recycled tyres are often turned into:

Rubber crumb for playgrounds and sports surfaces
Rubberised asphalt for road construction
Insulation or soundproofing materials

6. Plastic Components

Modern vehicles contain a lot of plastic—from bumpers and trim to interior dashboards and fuel tanks. These plastics can be mechanically or chemically recycled and repurposed into new products, reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.

7. Oil Filters

Used oil filters are full of contaminated oil and sludge. Both the steel casing and residual oil can be recovered. The oil is cleaned and reused as lubricants or industrial fuel, while the metal is melted and repurposed.

8. Engines

Old or non-functioning engines can be:

Recycled for raw materials, like aluminium and steel
Reconditioned for resale
Stripped for parts (alternators, sensors, etc.)

Even a completely seized engine has recyclable value when processed properly by experts like Mainline Salvage.

9. Car Mats and Carpets

Often overlooked, floor mats and carpets can be reused or recycled. If in good condition, they can be resold. Otherwise, they may be recycled into industrial textiles or even used in gardens as compost insulation or weed barriers.

10. Starters and Alternators

These critical electrical components can be reconditioned, sold second-hand, or dismantled and recycled. The copper, steel, and aluminium used in these parts are in high demand for reuse.