JUL 16, 2025
Junk car recycling is a smart way to get rid of your old vehicle and earn some extra cash. It’s also an environmentally friendly move that helps reduce landfill waste and conserve natural resources. However, before you call a junk car removal service to haul it away, there are certain things to remove from your car. This allows you to protect personal information, recover reusable parts, and avoid losing items that may still have value.
In this article, RCM Recycling looks into the top seven things to remove from your car before recycling. As a top-rated scrap metal recycling company, we understand what goes into recycling junk cars and how to make the most out of the process. If you’re looking for trusted scrap metal buyers, get in touch with RCM Recycling.
It may sound obvious, but people leave behind important personal items. Check under seats, in the glove compartment, center console, trunk, door pockets, and even sun visors. You may find sunglasses, tools, house keys, charging cables, or important documents. Once the car is gone, recovering these items is usually impossible, so do a thorough sweep.
License plates are registered to you or the vehicle. Before scrapping your car, remove the plates and return them to your local DMV if required by law. In some states, turning in the plates is part of the process to officially cancel your registration and avoid unnecessary fines.
Always remove your registration card and any insurance documents stored in the car. These papers contain personal information and could lead to identity theft if not properly disposed of. In addition, you may need them when canceling your vehicle registration or dealing with your insurance provider.
Did you install custom rims, an upgraded stereo, a GPS system, or LED lighting? These accessories have resale value or can be reused in another vehicle. Be sure to remove any aftermarket items you added. Even floor mats, seat covers, and phone mounts can be worth keeping or selling.
If you know your way around a car or have a mechanic friend, consider removing high-value parts like the battery, alternator, catalytic converter, or tires—if they’re still in good condition. These components can be sold separately for a better return than scrapping the whole car as-is.
Automatic toll transponders and parking stickers are linked to your personal billing account. Forgetting to remove these items could result in continued charges, even after the vehicle is scrapped. Be sure to take these off the windshield or dashboard before the car is picked up.
If your vehicle still has a considerable amount of gas or fresh oil, you might consider removing it, but only if it can be done safely and legally. Draining fluids improperly can be dangerous and may violate local environmental regulations. If unsure, leave this task to scrap metal buyers.
Got a junk car that needs to be removed from your property? Reach out to the specialists at RCM Recycling. We are a top-rated junk car buyer that offers top dollar for vehicles in any condition—running or not. Apart from offering fair prices, we schedule convenient pickups that work around your availability and handle all the paperwork to make the process completely hassle-free. By choosing trusted scrap metal buyers in Thomaston like RCM Recycling, you can scrap your car with confidence and ease. Contact us now to schedule an appointment and learn more.