What to Do With Old Suspension Parts: Practical Options for Reuse, Recycling, and Disposal

Old suspension components—like struts, shocks, control arms, and springs—pile up after a suspension overhaul. You might wonder if they’re worth anything, if they can be recycled, or just how to get rid of them legally. Here’s a clear breakdown of your options, from making a few bucks to keeping them out of a landfill.

Recycle Your Old Suspension Parts

Most suspension parts are made of steel and aluminum, which are highly recyclable. Shredding and melting them down saves energy and raw materials. Here’s how to recycle them properly:

• Check with your local scrap yard: Call ahead to confirm they accept automotive parts. Most take ferrous (steel) and non-ferrous (aluminum) metals separately. Parts like shocks often contain oil, which may require draining first.
• Drain fluids: Shocks and struts contain hydraulic oil or gas. Some scrapyards will not accept them with fluid inside. You can drain old oil into a sealed container and take it to a hazardous waste facility. Alternatively, find a shop that recycles oily parts.
• Separate materials: If you have the time, disassemble parts to separate steel from aluminum (e.g., aluminum knuckles from steel arms). This can get you a better price per pound.
• Consider a core buyback program: Some auto parts stores or rebuilders accept old suspension parts as cores—they pay a small fee (often a few dollars per part) because they can refurbish them. Call around.

Recycling is the most environmentally friendly option and costs little effort beyond transport.

Sell Them for Scrap Metal Value

If you just want to clear space and earn a bit of cash, selling your old suspension parts as scrap metal is straightforward. Scrap prices fluctuate, but as of 2025, steel might fetch around $0.05–$0.10 per pound, while aluminum can reach $0.30–$0.60. A typical set of control arms and struts might weigh 30–50 pounds, so you could get $5–$15 total.

Steps to sell scrap:

• Remove any rubber bushings or plastic covers—scrapyards like clean metal.
• Bundle parts by material type.
• Visit a local scrap metal yard (use a service like iScrap App to find one nearby).
• Bring a valid ID—many yards have security requirements.

Keep in mind: some yards refuse to take loaded struts because of the oil. You can cut the strut rod to release the pressure and drain the oil before bringing them in. Wear safety glasses and follow proper disposal of the oil.

Repurpose for DIY Projects

Old suspension parts can find a second life in home workshops, garages, or even art projects. Here are a few practical ideas:

• Vise stand or anvil: A thick control arm or knuckle can serve as a sturdy base for a bench vise or a DIY anvil for light metalwork. Drill holes to bolt it to a workbench.
• Steel stock: Coil springs can be cut and used as springs for other projects (like a garage door helper or a small press). Unused shock rods make decent drift punches or pry bars after grinding.
• Garden or decor: Springs make interesting sculptures or trellis supports. Control arms can become rustic hooks for hanging tools or hoses.
• Weights: Suspension parts are dense—good for weighing down tarps, securing covers, or adding ballast to a trailer.

If you’re handy with a welder, you can combine parts into a unique shop stool, work stand, or sign holder. Always wear a mask when grinding or cutting.

Donate to Automotive Schools or Shops

Many vocational schools, community college auto programs, and nonprofit repair shops accept used suspension parts for training or rebuilding. They often lack budget for new parts but can use yours to teach students how to disassemble, inspect, and rebuild.

How to donate:

• Call local high school automotive programs or technical colleges. Ask if they take used suspension components.
• Check with nonprofits like "Cars Helping Veterans" or "One Car Donation"—they sometimes accept parts as donations if they can use them.
• Remove any hazardous fluids first. Clean parts are more appreciated.
• Get a donation receipt for a potential tax deduction. Estimate the fair market value based on scrap worth or what a core buyer might pay.

Donating keeps parts in use and supports the next generation of mechanics.

Proper Disposal Methods

Sometimes parts are too rusted or messed up to reuse or recycle. You still can’t just toss them in the trash—many municipalities classify shocks and struts as household hazardous waste because of the oil. Here’s the right way to dispose:

• Curbside pickup: Some waste haulers offer pickup for scrap metal if you place parts in a designated bin. Check your local rules.
• Household hazardous waste facilities: Facilities accept things like oil, antifreeze, and oily parts. Search your county’s website for drop-off events or permanent locations.
• Auto parts retailers: Some chain stores (like AutoZone or O’Reilly) accept used oil and sometimes parts for recycling—call ahead. They do not usually pay, but they dispose responsibly.
• Municipal recycling centers: Many have a metal recycling dumpster you can use for free or a small fee. Drain fluids first.

Never dump suspension parts on the roadside or into a regular dumpster—it can lead to fines and environmental harm.

Final Recommendation

If you want the most value: Sell to a scrap yard after cleaning and draining. You’ll earn a few bucks and keep metal in circulation. If you want to help others: Donate to a school or repair nonprofit. You get a tax deduction and good karma. If you’re a DIYer: Repurpose a few parts for garage projects—they’re free and surprisingly useful. If you can’t be bothered: Recycle them properly at your local waste facility. It takes a short drive and costs nothing.

Whatever you do, avoid throwing them in the trash. With a little effort, your old suspension parts can become cash, teaching tools, or raw material for something new.