Any seasoned mechanic will be aware of the amount of waste material produced by working on vehicles.
It’s important to not fall into bad habits & miss opportunities to correctly manage garage waste in order to keep disposal costs low & maximise recycling or repurposing.
Garages in the UK have plenty of options for disposing of waste materials, and some even allow you to sell certain items to help cover the cost of waste collection.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of waste garages typically generate, including used engine oil, worn tyres, car filters, metal shavings, and more.
It’s also important to stay up to date with the latest regulations for storing and disposing of garage waste to ensure you’re fully compliant.
Table of Contents:
- What kind of waste do car garages produce?
- How do garages dispose of used oil?
- Where can I dispose of car oil in the UK?
- Do you have to pay to scrap a vehicle in the UK?
- How garages can dispose of scrap metal
- What parts should you remove from a car before scrapping?
- How garages can dispose of brake pads
- Getting rid of metal shavings
- How garages can dispose of car batteries
- How can garages in the UK recycle car filters?
- What happens to used tyres?
- What are the garage waste collection regulations?
What kind of waste do car garages produce?
Commercial garages rely on waste collection services to handle and dispose of automotive waste efficiently. This includes managing items like dead car batteries, worn-out tyres, fuel, cleaning fluids, and engine oils.
It’s essential for garages to follow environmental regulations closely, especially when dealing with hazardous waste like engine oil, to ensure safe and responsible disposal.
Explore ways to improve the efficiency of waste disposal and recycling in your garage in the upcoming discussion.
How do garages dispose of used oil?
Garages and service stations should manage used oil responsibly to avert environmental pollution. Standard disposal approaches for used oil encompass:
Recycling
Reprocess used oil to create lubricants or utilise it as an energy source.
Collection initiatives
Engage in local used oil collection programs or return schemes provided by waste management authorities or oil suppliers.
Authorised disposal facilities
Guarantee proper disposal through the utilisation of approved waste oil collection services or facilities.
You can read more about disposing of garage chemicals in our blog.
Where can I dispose of car oil in the UK?
To properly dispose of used car oil, you should contact your local council or a certified waste collection service to arrange for scheduled pickups.
You can also take the oil to approved recycling centres, return it to certain retailers or service stations, use designated oil banks, or even use self-service oil disposal kits that solidify the oil.
It’s important to store and transport used oil in clean, uncontaminated containers, making sure it’s not mixed with other substances. This helps make the recycling process easier and reduces the risk of environmental damage.
Do you have to pay to scrap a vehicle in the UK?
In the UK, there may be a charge for disposing of a car, often called a “scrappage fee” or “scrapping charge.” The cost can vary depending on factors like the car’s make, model, and where you’re located.
That said, it’s worth exploring other options, as some “scrapping schemes” may even offer compensation for your vehicle.
Just make sure to work with authorised and licensed scrap dealers who follow all the legal regulations.
How garages can dispose of scrap metal
Scrap metal disposal in garages is a crucial aspect of waste management, particularly in automotive repair settings where various metals are generated as byproducts.
Examples below:
- Common metals include steel, aluminium, copper, and alloys from discarded car parts, broken tools, and machining residues.
- Implementing a systematic approach to collect and segregate these metals enhances recycling efficiency and reduces environmental impact.
- Garages should establish partnerships with local scrap metal recycling facilities, not only ensuring legal compliance but also creating economic opportunities through compensation for the recycled materials.
- Proper disposal not only prevents environmental harm but also contributes to revenue generation and cost savings, making it an essential practice for both environmental and economic sustainability.
Safety considerations, staff education, and fostering a culture of responsible waste management further enhance the effectiveness of scrap metal disposal in garage operations.
What parts should you remove from a car before scrapping?
Before scrapping a car, certain parts should be removed. These typically include:
- License plates: Take off the license plates and return them to the appropriate authority.
- Hazardous materials: Safely remove and dispose of hazardous materials like batteries and fluids.
- Valuable components: Consider removing valuable parts, such as radios or specialised accessories, if you plan to sell or reuse them.
How garages can dispose of brake pads
UK garages can dispose of brake pads responsibly by segregating them from general waste.
Brake pads often contain materials that need proper handling.
Garages should team up with authorised recycling facilities or waste management services to ensure their disposal methods are compliant and environmentally friendly, following regulations and reducing their environmental impact.
Getting rid of metal shavings
Garages can dispose of metal shavings by collecting them in designated containers to keep them free from contamination.
Partnering with local metal recycling facilities ensures they’re disposed of properly and can even offer financial benefits.
It’s important to follow environmental regulations and safety guidelines to ensure responsible disposal and reduce the impact on the environment.
How garages can dispose of car batteries
In the UK, garages must follow regulations for disposing of car batteries due to their hazardous materials.
Setting up designated collection areas, sending used batteries to authorised recycling facilities, and participating in manufacturer take-back programs help ensure legal compliance and environmentally friendly practices.
Providing proper training and awareness programs is crucial to avoid penalties and encourage responsible waste management.
How can garages in the UK recycle car filters?
Filter recycling involves properly disposing of used filters, like oil, air, or fuel filters, which are common in car maintenance.
In the UK, garages can stay environmentally compliant by working with authorised recycling facilities.
By disposing of filters correctly, you help prevent pollution and support sustainability by recycling the valuable materials inside them.
What happens to used tyres?
Used tyres can be recycled or repurposed in various ways:
- Tyre recycling facilities – Many recycling centres specialise in processing used tyres, transforming them into various rubber products.
- Repurposing – Tyres can be repurposed as mulch, playground surfaces, or even used for construction purposes like creating artificial reefs. Consider donating them.
- Energy recovery – Some facilities use tyres as a fuel source in energy recovery processes.
Did you know there are lots of ways to recycle old tyres? Read our blog!
What are the garage waste collection regulations?
Garage waste disposal in the UK is regulated by several laws and regulations, including:
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 – This legislation establishes the duty of care for businesses to ensure proper waste management, including garages.
Hazardous Waste Regulations – These regulations outline specific requirements for handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous waste produced by garages.
Duty of Care Regulations – Garage owners have a legal obligation to ensure their waste is transferred to an authorised person and properly disposed of.
