Eco-Friendly Auto Recycling in New Mexico

What is Auto Recycling?

Auto recycling is the process used by licensed and trained recycling yards in New Mexico to break down and recover valuable parts and materials from junk cars which have reached the end of their useful life. At NM auto recycling centers, vehicles are carefully separated into:

reusable or repairable parts
bulk materials like steel, aluminum, and certain plastics which are refined to be used again in new production
fluids like washer fluid, oil, antifreeze, and gasoline for refinement or responsible disposal

Learn more awesome nerdy details about the car recycling process here.

Why Recycle My Car?

New Mexico owners understandably look for the best possible value when scrapping their car. Reselling or trading in your older car can help you recoup some money, but donating it for recycling offers unique advantages — like a potential $500 tax deduction — and some programs will even accept a vehicle in any condition. Arguably, the largest benefit of donating your car for recycling is the significant positive impact it will have on the environment.

Vehicles are 85-90% recyclable when they are donated to the right program, thanks to years of innovation. The best processes maximize the reuse of parts and materials, eliminating carbon emissions from producing new parts or from landfill dumping.

Fully retiring older, less efficient gas engines has additional benefits. On average, these older engines emit 5-10 tons of CO2 per year! Your donation can eliminate a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions simply by finding a reputable recycling program in New Mexico. Want to see the impact for yourself? Use our carbon impact calculator to explore how your choices to fully recycle your car and upgrade to a greener vehicle, or even switching to public transit, would positively impact on the environment.

Best Way to Recycle Your Car in NM

Unfortunately, not all end of life vehicles are processed the same. In many cases when vehicles are traded in, sold directly to junk yards, and even when donating to some charities, the vehicle is sold to export countries which may not have the same strict recycling protocols or emissions standards that we have in the U.S. That means your old vehicle or engine may continue to run without proper emissions control equipment like catalytic converters, polluting at even higher rates than when you owned it.

The SHiFT Vehicle Retirement Initiative® is New Mexico’s most environmentally conscious auto recycling program, committed to recycling every car that comes through our doors in a way that would make our Mother Earth proud. When you donate your car with SHiFT, you’re guaranteed that:

The process will be hassle-free, and we’ll accept your vehicle in any condition, working and registered or not. All we need is your car and the title
Your car will be recycled by only the best auto recycling centers, operated by licensed and trained professionals using the latest sustainable protocols
The engine from your car will never pollute roadways again — it cannot be reused or sold
You’ll receive a certificate of carbon reduction and tax receipt

When you choose SHiFT, you aren’t just throwing away a junk car — you’re taking actionable steps to reduce waste, conserve resources, and eliminate carbon emissions for our planet with our unique engine retirement guarantee. Learn more about the SHiFT initiative here

Our 4 Easy Steps to Car Recycling in New Mexico

Step 1: Fill out the donation form

We’ll ask for some information about your vehicle including the VIN, year, make, model, mileage, and condition. Then you’ll tell us your contact information and where the car will be picked up. If you’re completing the form on a mobile device, you’ll also have the option to take photos of your vehicle.

Step 2: Track your vehicle

After you submit the donation form, you will receive a confirmation email with access to your Donor Console. From the Donor Console, you can track your car donation in real-time. You’ll also be able to access title transfer instructions and tax information.

Step 3: Schedule car pick up time

We’ll assign your vehicle to a licensed towing agent. The towing agent will contact you within 2-3 business days to schedule a car pick up time most convenient for you. Your car will be towed for free! At the time of pick up, you’ll hand over the car keys and signed title to the tow driver.

Step 4: Count your carbon offset

After your car is picked up and received by a licensed recycler and SHiFT partner, you will receive a certification of carbon reduction. The certification confirms the emissions producing engine from your vehicle will never pollute again, and we’ll tell you the estimated annual carbon savings per year because of your donation to the SHiFT program. With the certification, you’ll also get a tax receipt for deduction on your taxes (if eligible; please consult with a tax professional).

The SHiFT Difference

Full Retirement Guarantee

We are the only program to guarantee the complete retirement of your vehicle’s engine, providing proof through a carbon certification

Environmental Impact

Reduce waste and conserve natural resources through responsible recycling

Certified Recycling Process

We partner with certified facilities that ensure safe and compliant disposal

Hassle-Free Process

We handle everything, from free pick up to documentation, making an easy process

State Recycling Resources

In order to keep New Mexico’s environment protected, the state Environment Department (NMED) has allocated an entire division to help citizens correctly dispose of what may be considered hazardous waste. Hazardous waste when pertaining to vehicle recycling can include waste oil, hydraulic fluids and anti-freeze liquids. The Hazardous Waste Bureau provides a list of regulations and additional tips which can be found here. In addition, they can be reached by calling 505-476-6000.
In addition to properly managing hazardous waste, New Mexico also focuses on the proper disposal of solid waste materials as well. These solid waste materials can range from old windshields, to waste & scrap tires. The state was allocated a Solid Waste Bureau and provides extensive information regarding how to manage the recycling process involving solid waste. Have additional questions? You can contact the Bureau directly by calling 505-827-0197.
The Motor Vehicle Division conducts personal vehicle emissions testing on all vehicles manufactured after and including the year 1991. These tests must be passed every two years as well as at the change of ownership. In addition, Bernadillo county requires all vehicles to be tested to ensure the environment is not significantly affected by harmful emissions.

2026 State-by-State Hybrid Battery Disposal Laws: A Guide to Legal Compliance & Environmental Protection

Ignorance of the law is no longer a defense. As of January 1, 2026, the “crush and ship” era is officially over. With New Jersey’s new producer mandates, Washington’s phased stewardship, and strict waste bans in Massachusetts and Texas, the regulatory landscape for hybrid vehicle retirement has never been more complex. Our latest guide breaks down the three layers of liability you need to know to keep your facility compliant and our planet safe.

Auto Recycling: The Original Recycling Industry

Before household recycling programs existed, there was auto recycling. For more than a century, automotive recyclers have been reusing, repurposing, and responsibly processing end-of-life vehicles. This article explores the roots of the industry—from early scrap yards to today’s high-tech recycling facilities—and highlights how automotive recyclers became pioneers of sustainability, efficiency, and circular design. Learn why auto recycling remains one of the most impactful environmental solutions and how programs like SHiFT® ensure every vehicle is recycled to completion.

Recycle Your Car for the Environment

Eco-Friendly Auto Recycling in New Mexico

What is Auto Recycling?

Why Recycle My Car?

Best Way to Recycle Your Car in NM