Question: Does AutoZone Take Old Brake Pads?

Changing your car’s brake pads may be a walk in the park until you wonder what to do with the old brake pads. Most people will simply toss them away in the garbage bin, but if you are environmentally conscious, you know this is not the right move.

The good news is that some companies are willing to take this load off your back. It begs the question, does AutoZone take old brake pads? AutoZone is a major player in the automotive parts scene and is renowned for its recycling measures.

Stick on to know whether AutoZone will deal with your brake pads and what other options you have.

Question: Will AutoZone Take Old Brake Pads?

Autozone will only take old brake pads if the pads are still under warranty. Fortunately, brake pads and rotors from AutoZone have a limited lifetime warranty. You can take the old pads to AutoZone at any time and get a replacement. This arrangement will work if you initially purchased the pads from AutoZone.

AutoZone intends to keep the environment clean and has a recycling program to back it up. AutoZone’s recycling program is quite selective and accepts products purchased from its outlets.

In the case of brake pads, the store can take them as returns if they are still under warranty. AutoZone will handle the waste for disposal if only you bought from them. This means you must look for other options if the brake pads came from another parts dealer.

Despite the strict waste part handling policy, AutoZone’s staff may advise you on the best ways to deal with the items. Alternatively, you can visit its website for tips on handling used car components.

Question: What Does AutoZone Recycle?

AutoZone’s recycling program mainly deals with harmful waste products. Most of these items pose a danger to the handler, especially if they are not experienced and can affect the environment if handled poorly. These utilities include batteries, used oil, lightbulbs, filters, and brake fluid.

This automotive parts dealer sets the amount of waste it can handle per household daily. You should consult your local AutoZone store on how much used product it can take in.

return old brake pads to AutoZone

Question: What To Do With Old Brake Pads?

We hope we have answered the question: Does AutoZone take old brake pads? You now know that AutoZone won’t accept old brake pads not associated with its stores. Don’t give up yet, as there are several options to consider.

Before looking at what to do with the worn car parts, you should check the material to know the next move. It is easy to deal with ordinary brake pads built from cast iron or a combination of other metals. It becomes a problem when dealing with asbestos brake pads.

Asbestos was common in brake pads some years back before the discovery of its carcinogenic properties. You may revive a classic or vintage car only to discover it ran on asbestos pads. You should handle this material with protective wear to avoid the risk of cancer and other ailments. Contact the relevant body in your area to dispose of asbestos parts.

The following are ways to deal with worn brake pads.

Take Them to the Junkyard

The junkyard is a one-stop shop for your disposal needs, especially for out-of-service auto parts. You can carry as much waste as possible to the junkyard, but ensure you keep up with the waste disposal rules. Don’t throw your junk in decommissioned spots, as you may land in trouble with the authorities.

The Garbage Bin

You can throw the old pads into the garbage bin for recycling. Put them in the metal section if metallic or other, if ceramic. Your town’s garbage collection service will now take over their recycling. Be careful when dumping them to avoid damaging the bins. If possible, put them in a container before taking them out.

Consult Your Mechanic

Your mechanic may advise you on the best way to deal with the used brake pads. Some will be glad to take the load off your back. If they are still in excellent shape, they may use them as temporary replacements for other cars.

Repurposing Them

As a DIYér, you can repurpose the old brake pads into various things. You may need tools like a drill or a welder to develop creative and useful concepts in your workshop. You can build hammerheads, grips, and other utilities with the old pads. If you are artsy, there is no limit on what you can do with this material.

Sell Them as Scrap Metal

The lucrative scrap metal trade targets recyclers who melt the metal and sell it to interested parties. Look for metal collection zones where you can bring your old car parts in exchange for some cash.

Some collection points can be strict on the material, and you may be unlucky if you have ceramic pads.

What About Burying Them?

If you have run out of options, you can bury the worn-out brake pads in your yard. This works for metallic and ceramic pads, which can degrade over time. When opting for this disposal method, ensure they are free of contaminants like oil. Moreover, the burial spot should be far from water lines and areas accessed by children for safety.

does autozone take old brake pads

Question: So, Does Autozone Take Old Brake Pads?

What should I do with my old brake pads? This is a question many people have when they replace their pads with new ones. You must do away with the old ones, but do it carefully to avoid harming your surroundings.

If you got them from reputable stores like AutoZone, then you can take them back, and the store will be responsible for their recycling (only works under warranty). If this approach is not possible, you can consider the other options presented in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about brake pads and AutoZone.

What Does AutoZone Do With Old Car Parts?

AutoZone recycles used car parts to preserve the environment. AutoZone will also handle utilities that can be dangerous to the user and environment if mismanaged, primarily automotive fluids.

Are Brake Pads Harmful?

It depends on their material. Regular and modern brake pads are safe, as they feature safe materials like ceramic and cast iron. However, brake pads made in the past from asbestos are dangerous because they are carcinogenic.

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