What General Waste in an Automotive Workplace Can Be Recycled? A Guide and How to Get Started

‍Sustainable practices for legal compliance and carbon reduction

Managing waste in an automotive workplace can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right systems in place, recycling can reduce your environmental footprint and simplify waste management. Automotive environments produce various types of waste, including hydraulic oils, tyres, metals, plastics, and hazardous materials. Properly managing and recycling these materials not only helps meet legal requirements but also gives you a reputation for professionalism and sustainable practices.

This blog explores the different types of waste, the benefits of effective recycling, and the services designed to support the automotive industry.

Types of waste in the automotive industry

In the automotive industry, effective waste management is key to sustainability. Identifying recyclable materials is the first step in reducing environmental impact, improving efficiency, and complying with regulations. By understanding which materials can be recycled, automotive businesses can streamline waste disposal and contribute to a greener future.

Metal waste

Recyclable

Recycling metal waste helps repurpose valuable materials, reduce waste and conserve resources. Metals like steel, aluminium, and copper can be reused to create new products, saving energy and cutting production costs. Here's a look at recyclable metal waste materials.

Ferrous metals (contain iron)

• Steel: Found in car bodies, frames, and structural components.
• Cast iron: Used in engine blocks, brake rotors, and cylinder heads.

Non-ferrous metals (do not contain iron)

• Aluminium: Found in wheels, engine parts, and doors.
• Copper: Used in wiring and electronics.
• Lead: Lead is mainly used in car batteries.
• Platinum, palladium, & rhodium: Used in catalytic converters.
• Magnesium: Found in lightweight components like wheels.

Non-Recyclable

Some metals can’t be recycled because they’re too hard to separate or are contaminated, like rusted steel or oil-soaked aluminium. Certain alloys and small parts also pose problems due to their toxicity or flammability. For these, it’s best to dispose of them properly through dedicated recycling facilities to minimise environmental impact.

Contaminated or composite metals

• Metal-plastic composites: Found in various electronics.
• Rusty or corroded steel: Often found in older or damaged metal parts.
• Oil or grease-contaminated aluminium: Typically found in engine parts or machinery.
• Certain alloys: Beryllium copper (used in electrical connectors) and some magnesium alloys.

Small metal components

• Tiny screws or shavings: Often found in various equipment and machinery.
• Lead-based components: Used in older electrical parts or solder.

Plastic waste

Recyclable

Plastic waste can be a significant environmental challenge, but many vehicle plastics are recyclable. Recycling these plastics reduces waste and helps conserve resources, giving materials like polypropylene, polyethylene, and ABS a second life in new products.

• Polypropylene (PP): Commonly used in bumpers, battery casings, and dashboards.
• Polyethylene (PE): Found in fuel tanks, fenders, and some interior trim.
• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): Used in dashboards, trim panels, and consoles.
• Polycarbonate (PC): Found in headlights, sunroofs, and instrument panels.
• Polyamide (PA/Nylon): Found in engine covers, air intake manifolds, and fuel lines.
• Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs): Used in seals, gaskets, and flexible parts.

Non-recyclable

While some plastics are recyclable, others pose significant challenges due to their composition, multi-material layers, or manufacturing process. Their composition makes it extremely difficult to melt down safely and effectively. The following plastics should be disposed of properly at dedicated recycling facilities:

• Polyurethane (PU): Found in seat cushions, foam insulation, and adhesives.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Used in interior trim, wiring insulation, and underbody coatings that contain additives.
• Fibreglass-reinforced plastics (FRP): Used in body panels and structural components.
• Thermoset plastics (e.g., epoxy & phenolic resins): Found in brake pads and adhesives.
• Plastic-laminated materials: Often found in dashboards and trim pieces.

Rubber waste

Recyclable

Recycling rubber helps reduce waste and create valuable products, such as flooring, mats, and vehicle components. By reprocessing rubber, we minimise environmental impact and give it a second life in valuable forms, conserving resources and promoting sustainability. The following rubber materials can be recycled and repurposed:

• Tyres (synthetic & natural rubber blends): Used in vehicle tyres.
• EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber: Found in weather seals, door seals, and hoses.
• Silicone rubber: Used in gaskets, seals, and hoses.
• Butyl rubber: Found in inner tubes and tyre liners.

Non-recyclable

Non-recyclable rubber materials are difficult to process due to their complex compositions or contamination. These factors make it challenging to break them down and repurpose them effectively—the following need to be recycled through a specialised service:

• Vulcanised rubber (heavily cured rubber): Used in tyres, engine mounts, and belts.
• Thermoset rubber: Used in high-performance seals, bushings, and vibration dampers.
• Rubber with mixed materials: Rubber bonded with metal (engine mounts, suspension bushings) or fabric (reinforced belts).
• Contaminated rubber: Oil-soaked rubber from engines or chemically treated rubber.

Glass waste

Recycling glass helps reduce landfill waste and conserve resources. Many types of automotive glass, such as tempered and laminated, can be recycled to create new products, contributing to a more sustainable industry.

Recyclable

• Tempered glass: Side & rear windows.
• Laminated glass: Windshields & some sunroofs (with special processing).
• Uncoated or untreated glass: Mirrors, sunroofs, and lights in some cases.

Non-recyclable

Some glass materials are challenging to recycle due to their coatings, mixed materials, or contamination. These types of glass should be appropriately disposed of through dedicated waste facilities:

• Coated or tinted glass: Some windshields, side windows, and sunroofs.
• Headlights & taillights: Polycarbonate or mixed glass & plastic.
• Contaminated glass: Oil, dirt, or embedded materials.

Electronic waste (E-waste)

Recyclable

E-waste consists of electronic components commonly found in vehicles, such as wiring, batteries, and circuit boards. Recycling e-waste helps recover valuable materials like copper, aluminium, and lithium, which can be reused in new technologies, reducing the need for raw material extraction.

• Wiring & cables: Copper & aluminium wiring and harnesses.
• Lead-acid batteries: Traditional car batteries.
• Lithium-ion batteries: EV & hybrid batteries (specialised processing required).
• Printed circuit boards (PCBs): Found in engine control units, infotainment systems and sensors.
• Electronic sensors & control modules: ABS sensors, ADAS cameras, airbag control units, and ECU systems.
• Display screens & infotainment systems: LCD, LED, or OLED screens in dashboards, GPS, and rear-seat entertainment.
• Electric motors & alternators: Contain copper, aluminium, & steel components.

Non-recyclable

While many electronic components are recyclable, certain parts are difficult or impossible to process. These items often contain mixed materials or are too small to separate, making recycling challenging. Proper disposal at designated facilities is necessary for the following:

• Embedded & miniaturised electronics: Microchips, tiny capacitors, surface-mounted components.
• Mixed-material components: Displays with adhesives and plastic-metal bonded parts.
• Old CRT displays: Rare, found in some older vehicles.
• Non-standard lithium batteries: From older hybrid vehicles.

Paints, solvents, oil, fluids and hazardous waste

Recyclable

Recycling automotive paints, oils, and fluids helps reduce environmental impact but requires proper disposal. Recycled used oils and fluids can be repurposed into hydraulic oil, new lubricating oil, and industrial burner fuel, which can be cleaned for reuse. Collect these materials in a designated empty oil container and take them to a local used oil facility or specialised waste service to manage and recycle them safely.

• Used motor oil (sump oil) & transmission fluid
• Brake fluid & power steering fluid
• Oil filters that have been drained and dried.
• Gear oil: Differential & transfer case oil.
• Hydraulic fluid: Brake, clutch, & suspension systems.
• Compressor oil: Used in air conditioning systems.
• Antifreeze: Coolant – ethylene glycol & propylene glycol.
• Lead-acid batteries: Traditional car batteries.
• Industrial & cleaning solvents: Used in degreasers, paint strippers and parts washers.
• Automotive paints: Solvent-based & water-based paints.
• Solvents, reducers & paint thinners: Used in auto body shops & painting processes.
• Metallic waste from catalytic converters: Contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
• Refrigerants: A/C coolants – R-134a, R-1234yf, freon in older cars.
• Mercury switches: Found in older vehicles – lighting & ABS systems.

Non-recyclable

The following automotive waste materials can't be recycled due to harmful contaminants or complex composition: contaminated oils, adhesives, and old fuel. One litre of oil can contaminate one million litres of water, with a single automotive oil change involving around 5L. For companies doing several oil changes a day, it's essential to have an effective and compliant waste management system in place to avoid environmental harm and legal consequences.

• Contaminated oil & fluids: Mixed with water or other chemicals.
• Asbestos: From brake pads & clutches (older vehicles).
• Airbags & airbag inflators.
• PCB-containing materials: Polychlorinated biphenyls – older electrical components.
• Old fuel & gasoline waste.
• Adhesives, sealants, & undercoatings.
• Undercoatings & rustproofing chemicals: Tar-based or wax-based coatings.
• Two-part automotive epoxy & hardeners: Used in body repairs & adhesives.
• Spray paints & aerosols: Primers, clear coats, spray-on bed liners, rubberised coatings.

Improper oil disposal in the automotive industry can lead to significant fines under the Environment Protection Act. If your business is caught improperly disposing of used oil, you could face hefty penalties. Don't risk it; let Signal Waste handle your waste oil collection and disposal. Our specialised liquid waste services ensure compliance with environmental regulations, protecting your business from legal and financial repercussions. Reach out to Signal Waste today to ensure your oil waste is managed correctly.

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Benefits of recycling for automotive businesses

Recycling in the automotive industry offers a range of benefits that can positively impact both operations and reputation. From reducing costs and generating revenue to supporting environmental sustainability and building customer trust, adopting recycling practices plays a key role in driving long-term success and aligning with modern business expectations. The key benefits are outlined below.

Cost savings & revenue generation

Recycling helps automotive businesses cut material costs by reusing metals and plastics. It also generates revenue from selling recyclable materials and reduces waste disposal expenses, making waste management more cost-effective.

Environmental sustainability & compliance

Recycling reduces landfill waste and lowers a business’s carbon footprint. It also helps prevent hazardous waste contamination and keeps businesses compliant with environmental regulations, avoiding fines and supporting a greener future.

Brand Reputation & customer trust

Recycling improves a business’s image by appealing to eco-conscious consumers. It shows a commitment to sustainability, builds trust, and encourages customer loyalty, helping businesses stand out in a competitive market.

Simplified waste management strategies 

Simplified waste management strategies can make a significant difference in the efficiency and sustainability of automotive businesses. Here’s a straightforward approach to recycling:

Step 1: Assess your waste

Start by auditing your waste to identify recycling materials and classify them into hazardous and non-hazardous categories. This step helps you understand what needs special attention, such as oils, fluids, and metal parts.

Step 2: Set up recycling systems

Place clearly labelled and colour-coded bins in high-waste areas like service bays, ensuring proper segregation of recyclable materials such as used oils, filters, and plastics. This helps minimise contamination and promotes easy disposal.

Step 3: Partner with a recycling service Provider

Collaborating with a recycling provider ensures compliance with local regulations, offers regular pickups, and provides detailed reporting. Signal Waste can help implement industry-specific solutions, reducing your costs while handling waste safely.

Step 4: Monitor and Improve

Track your recycling efforts to measure progress and identify opportunities for improvement. Regular reviews help fine-tune systems and enhance waste reduction over time.

Leave your automotive waste to the professionals

Recycling in the automotive industry is essential for reducing waste and conserving resources. Proper disposal of materials like plastics, rubber, glass, and hazardous fluids helps protect the environment and meets regulations. Starting with professional help simplifies the process and ensures everything is handled correctly.

Let Signal Waste handle your waste disposal – from liquid to hazardous materials; we provide tailored solutions for your business backed by over 35 years of experience. Contact us today for efficient, compliant, and eco-friendly waste management.