If you’ve ever handed your old car over to a wrecker or cash for cars service, you might’ve wondered what happens to the bits and pieces that can’t simply be reused — especially the battery and tyres. These two parts need careful handling, and wreckers in Australia follow strict recycling processes to make sure they’re dealt with safely and responsibly.
Let’s break down exactly what wreckers do with old batteries and tyres, why it matters, and how the whole process keeps harmful waste out of the environment.
What Happens to Car Batteries at a Wrecking Yard?
Wreckers remove car batteries during the dismantling process and send them to specialised recycling facilities. Car batteries contain lead, acid, and plastic — materials that can be dangerous if dumped, but extremely valuable when recycled properly.
Why car batteries need proper recycling
Car batteries aren’t something you can toss in the bin. They contain:
- Lead: Highly toxic, but fully recyclable
- Sulfuric acid: Dangerous if leaked
- Plastic casings: Reusable once cleaned and processed
Recycling these materials reduces landfill waste and prevents harmful chemicals from entering soil and water systems.
How wreckers recycle car batteries
Here’s what usually happens after a battery leaves the vehicle:
- Collection & sorting
Batteries are separated from the rest of the scrap to prevent leaks and contamination. - Transport to a licensed recycling facility
These facilities are equipped to handle hazardous materials safely. - Breaking & separation process
Machines break open the battery to separate the components:- Lead
- Plastic
- Acid
- Material recovery
- Lead is melted down and reused in new batteries.
- Plastic casings are cleaned, shredded, and turned into new casings.
- The acid is either converted into fertiliser or neutralised and made safe for disposal.
Australia has one of the highest car battery recycling rates in the world — largely thanks to wreckers and metal recyclers who ensure batteries don’t end up in landfill.
What Do Wreckers Do With Old Tyres?
Old tyres are one of the most common items removed from unwanted cars, and they can’t be dumped either. Wreckers send them to tyre recycling programs where they’re shredded, repurposed, or even turned into completely new products.
Why tyre recycling is so important
Tyres take hundreds of years to break down and can cause massive waste issues if left to sit. They also pose fire risks and attract pests if stockpiled incorrectly. Recycling solves all of this and opens the door to some surprisingly useful applications.
How wreckers prepare tyres for recycling
After removing the tyres, wreckers:
- Inspect them
- Reuse any that are still in safe, roadworthy condition
- Send damaged or worn tyres to certified recycling partners
If a tyre still has life left in it, it may be resold as a second-hand tyre — a win-win for drivers on a budget.
What recycled tyres get turned into
This is where it gets interesting. Recycled tyres can be repurposed into:
- Playground surfaces
- Road asphalt (known as crumb rubber asphalt)
- Sporting courts
- Horse arena flooring
- Rubber mats
- Construction materials
- Civil engineering fill
- Energy recovery (in controlled industrial settings)
That’s right — parts of your old car tyres may end up in a playground or under a new stretch of Aussie highway.
What About Illegal Dumping?
Reputable wreckers follow strict environmental laws. Batteries and tyres are two of the most regulated components in Australia.
If you choose a licensed wrecker or cash for cars service, you’re helping ensure these parts are recycled correctly — not dumped. Always look for businesses that advertise proper recycling or eco-friendly processes.
The Role of Cash for Cars & Wreckers in Sustainable Recycling
Every time a wrecker processes an old vehicle, they’re reducing waste by:
- Extracting reusable parts
- Recycling metals
- Safely handling hazardous materials
- Diverting batteries and tyres from landfill
- Supporting Australia’s circular economy
It’s a simple but powerful way to minimise environmental impact while helping car owners clear out unwanted vehicles.
Your old car’s battery and tyres might look like nothing more than junk, but in the right hands, they become valuable materials with a second life. When you choose a trusted wrecker or cash for cars service, you’re not just clearing space — you’re contributing to responsible recycling that benefits both the industry and the environment.
If you are in Thomastown, and looking to sell your car, this is the best way to find us.
1/26 Acacia St, Glenroy VIC 3046
0437 773 905
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