Eco-Friendly Auto Recycling in Alaska

What is Auto Recycling?

Auto recycling is the process used by licensed and trained recycling yards in Alaska to break down and recover valuable parts and materials from junk cars which have reached the end of their useful life. At AK 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?

Alaska 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 Alaska. 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 AK

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 Alaska’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 Alaska

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

Both the state of Alaska and SHiFT are constantly working to promote the proper disposal of solid waste pertaining to vehicle recycling. Solid waste in terms of recyclable vehicles can include things such as waste tires, unusable windshields and other materials such as steel and aluminum. For more facts and information, please refer to the Alaska Division of Environmental health.
When it comes to hazardous waste in the state of Alaska, the state is referring to waste motor oil, anti-freeze, and other hydraulic fluids. In order to ensure proper disposal as well as promote education, Alaska has provided information and additional facts here.
Still have questions? Refer to Earth911 for a statewide list of recycling references simply by typing in your zip code! Help keep Alaska’s environment beautiful!

Best Auto Recyclers in Alaska

Northwest Auto Parts, headquartered in Anchorage, AK, is actively involved in the recycling community throughout Alaska.

A leader in environmental car recycling, Northwest Auto Parts is an ARA Certified Auto Recycler (CAR), which means they uphold the highest standards and protocols of auto recycling. Northwest Auto Parts utilizes cutting edge vehicle dismantling, fluid recovery, and part inventorization to safely and cleanly maximize the recycled content on every vehicle.

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 Alaska

What is Auto Recycling?

Why Recycle My Car?

Best Way to Recycle Your Car in AK