A brake job leaves you with a pile of used parts - old rotors, worn pads, and drained fluid. Most of it can be recycled or disposed of responsibly rather than thrown in the trash. Here is how to recycle old brake parts.
Rotors and drums are scrap metal
Cast-iron rotors and drums are valuable scrap steel - see what parts are made of. A scrap-metal yard will usually take them, and some parts stores accept old rotors. Do not toss heavy iron in household trash when it can be recycled.
Brake pads
Worn pads are mostly a steel backing plate with spent friction material. The steel is recyclable; the friction material is not hazardous once worn but is not curbside-recyclable. Many auto parts recyclers and some stores accept used pads with rotors.
Brake fluid needs care
Used brake fluid is considered hazardous waste - never pour it down a drain or on the ground. Take it to a household hazardous-waste collection site or an auto shop that accepts it, the same way you would handle used oil.
Do it responsibly
Keep fluid in a sealed container for drop-off, bag the pads, and bundle the rotors for scrap. Responsible disposal is easy once you know where things go. When buying replacements, choose quality pads and hardware.