How to: Properly Dispose of Motorcycle Parts
Once a motorcycle has reached the end of its road, or you are simply replacing broken or worn components, some parts may end up in junk yards or landfills, but many can be recycled to find a new life in a different form. Other elements need to be disposed of carefully so as not to cause environmental damage. It’s important to know which parts can be recycled or refurbished and reused, and which parts cannot.
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What Can Be Recycled
Metals
Frames, subframes, wheels, forks, brake discs, sprockets, levers, handlebars, and many fasteners are usually made of steel or aluminum that can be recycled as scrap metal or reused if they are in good condition. Many salvage yards and metal recyclers will accept whole motorcycles or disassembled parts.
Engines and Mechanical Parts
Engine and mechanical parts like transmissions, clutches, carburetors, fuel injectors, and alternators can all be remanufactured or sold through parts and salvage markets. Do your research on where best to offload these components, because reusable parts can often be sold for more than scrap metal. Shops will often purchase engines and various parts to rebuild and sell.
Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters contain small amounts of precious metals such as platinum, palladium, or rhodium Because this makes them a particularly valuable item, salvagers often recover them separately.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs also contain valuable metals like platinum and iridium that are expensive to mine and crucial for a number of industries. Collect them to drop off at a recycler who will pay a small amount for them, which also reduces the carbon footprint.
Oil and Filters
Many are not aware of the fact that used motor oil can be re-refined into lubricants or fuel, not only allowing it to be reused, but also keeping it out of areas that might contaminate the environment. Likewise, oil filters contain recyclable steel, and can be recycled if drained and cleaned thoroughly. Many municipal hazardous-waste programs and auto parts stores accept used oil and filters. Check with your city and local auto parts store to find out if they participate in a recycling program.
Batteries
Motorcycle batteries, both lead-acid and lithium, are recyclable. While the recyclability of lead-acid batteries is well-established, lithium batteries require special handling in their recycling process. Find out what auto retailers near you provide drop-off options for proper disposal or renewal.
Tires
Tires are one of the most recyclable non-metal components on your motorcycle. They can be retreaded, ground up for soft playground surfaces and asphalt, or used as a fuel source in some industrial processes. Check with your local tire supplier or motorcycle shop or see if there is a program in your area that accepts used tires.
Plastics, Glass, and Other Textiles
Components like fairings, tanks, lights, windshields, and seat foam may be reusable depending on their condition. Hard plastics can be recyclable depending on resin type, but mixed composites, foam, and heavily contaminated items are harder to recycle. While some may be able to be down-cycled, other parts will likely end up in junk yards or landfills. Salvage yards and parts shops often take reusable components, so check with your local businesses to see where this might be an option.
What Cannot Be Recycled
While many parts from your motorcycle can be recycled or repurposed, there are still a few components that will likely end up in junk yards or landfills. Below is a list of common parts that cannot be recycled:
- Composite fairings with mixed materials and heavily contaminated or cracked components
- Foam, upholstery and some rubber components that are too degraded for reuse
- Lower value electronics or wiring harnesses that cannot be reclaimed by an electronics waste recycler
Best Disposal Practices
Follow this three-step approach for proper disposal of certain parts:
- Collect and contain
- Do not mix or contaminate
- Deliver to an approved disposal location
Batteries
Call2Recycle provides a comprehensive list of drop-off locations while Battery Recyclers of America will even arrange for pick-up. Batteries should not be disposed of in household trash under any circumstances. Safety is essential when preparing a battery for proper disposal. Ensure that the terminals are taped down, keep upright, and never crush or puncture the battery.
If you have a swollen lithium battery, place it in a non-flammable material like sand or kitty litter and contact the establishment you plan to deliver it to, and make sure they know the state of it ahead of time.
Tires
Do not dispose of tires in a landfill. Not only are they bulky and non-biodegrade, but they can also be hazardous if disposed of improperly. Instead, return them either to the tire shop that you purchased them from, or look for a tire recycling program in your area. Keep in mind that some tire retailers do charge a disposal fee.
Another option is to donate tires that are in good condition to vocational schools, off-road riding clubs, or community programs that may be able to repurpose them or use them for training purposes.
Oil and Other Fluids
Local and federal environmental agencies have very specific guidelines for the disposal of engine oil, coolant, and other fluids. Drain fluids into a clean, labeled, sealable container, and ensure that you never mix fluids. This can create a hazardous combination.
Do some research on local spots that will allow you to drop-off used fluids. Many auto parts stores, municipal household-hazardous-waste (HHW) centers, and salvage yards will accept used oil and filters. Some retailers accept used oil free of charge, while some may charge a disposal fee.
It is important that you never pour oil, antifreeze, or other automotive fluids on the ground or into drains as they will cause contamination.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re updating your bike or scrapping an entire motorcycle, much of it can be reused or recycled. From metal parts, to tires, batteries, smaller components, and even oil and other fluids, it is possible to recycle a considerable amount of your bike. If you’re unsure of what parts can be donated or recycled, contact your local salvage yards, municipal HHW program, or an auto parts store near you for more information. Ensure that you follow all required disposal directions.
Recycling motorcycle parts will keep hazardous materials out of your local landfill and reduce your carbon footprint.
Anna Cecilia Tozzi
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