Recycle Your Car for the Environment

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Guide to Auto Recycling in Wisconsin

What is Auto Recycling?

Auto recycling is the process used by Wisconsin’s licensed and certified recycling yards to remove valuable components and materials from junk cars which have reached the end of their useful life. At WI auto recycling centers, vehicles are carefully divided into:

  • parts that can be reused or repaired
  • bulk materials like steel, aluminum, and some plastics that can be refined and reused for new part production
  • fluids like washer fluid, oil, antifreeze, and gasoline for refinement and responsible disposal


Check out additional awesome nerdy details about the car recycling process here.

Recycle Your Vehicle with SHiFT

Why Recycle My Car?

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. 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.

Impact Calculator

Best Way to Recycle Your Car in WI

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, your car is resold in other countries instead of being recycled. Without the same strict emissions standards we have in the U.S., this 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.

Wisconsin’s most environmentally conscious auto recycling program is the SHiFT Vehicle Retirement Initiative®. Every vehicle that passes through our doors is recycled 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 – we will accept your vehicle in any condition, working and registered or not. All we need is your car and the title
  • Your vehicle is recycled by only the best certified, and professionally maintained auto recycling facilities, using the latest sustainable protocols 
  • Your old engine will not be repurposed or resold, and will never have the opportunity to pollute the environment again
  • You’ll receive a carbon reduction certificate 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 Wisconsin

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).

Recycle Your Car Now

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

  • The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is determined to ensure that transportation emissions are both regulated and monitored. This being said, a list of past and current date regarding state emissions as well as points of contact for questions or concerns can be found here. 
  • Like SHiFT, the state of Wisconsin works hard to ensure that all hazardous materials are recycled in a correct and lawful manner. These materials can pertain to anti-freeze, used oil, and hydraulic fluids. The WI DNR provides an extensive list of facts, as well as specific locations where citizens can properly dispose of these hazardous materials. 
  • If you are seeking specific recycling details (hazardous or non-hazardous) regarding your vehicle, pertaining to your city and/or county in the state of Wisconsin, refer to Earth911 and input your local area code in order to see trusted and reputable facilities located near you today.

Best Auto Recyclers in Wisconsin

Remington Auto Salvage, Inc., headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is actively involved in the recycling community throughout Wisconsin. 

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

Kirchhayn Auto Parts & Recycling serves the greater Fredonia, Wisconsin area and is also CAR certified leader in sustainable car recycling! Kirchhayn Auto Parts & Recycling utilizes cutting edge vehicle dismantling, fluid recovery, and part inventorization to safely and cleanly maximize the recycled content on every vehicle.

Elmer’s Auto, Inc. of the Fountain City, Wisconsin region is CAR certified as well. Their recycling facility is among the best in the state for recycling vehicles for the environment.