Will Junk Haulers Take Car Parts? Here's What You Need to Know

Blog

It’s a question we hear more often than you’d think: Will junk haulers actually take car parts?

Let’s break it down — clearly, simply, and backed with real-world know-how.

The Short Answer: Yes.

In Los Angeles, many junk removal companies do accept car parts, but this can vary depending on the company and the specific items. Some haulers specialize in vehicle-related removals and are equipped to take entire cars or individual parts for recycling.

Think of it this way: there’s a big difference between a junk hauler picking up a couple of tires and someone trying to offload an engine block full of oil. The answer isn’t just about weight; it’s about safety, environmental regulations, and local disposal rules.

What Junk Haulers Typically Accept?

If you’ve got basic components lying around, chances are good we junk removal service will take them. This includes:

• Tires (usually for an added fee)

• Used car batteries (especially lead-acid types) require careful handling.

• Car seats and interior parts

• Mirrors, lights, and bumpers

• Plastics and glass pieces

• Mufflers, exhaust pipes, and filters

• Loose scrap metal like brackets or trim

These are relatively safe, manageable, and recyclable. In fact, we haulers even partner with recycling centers to keep these items out of landfills.

But things get a bit more complicated when you're dealing with larger or potentially hazardous car parts.

What we Might Say “No” To

Here’s the kind of stuff that gives most of us junk haulers pause — or requires extra steps:

• Engines or transmissions with fluids still inside

• Gas tanks (especially if not properly drained)

• Oil, brake fluid, or coolant containers

• Airbags or explosive materials

• Any part covered in oil or grease

These items often fall under hazardous waste disposal, which is regulated by the EPA and local ordinances. Haulers may be willing to take them — but only if they’re cleaned, drained, or separated properly.

And if we can’t? We might recommend a specialized auto recycler instead.

How Golden Bear Hauling and Junk Removal Can Help

At Golden Bear Hauling and Junk Removal, we’ve seen it all — from old radiators tucked behind water heaters to axles buried under yard tools. We know that figuring out what to do with leftover car parts can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

Here’s how we can help:

✅ Fast, Friendly Pickup: Whether it’s a single bumper or a stack of tires, our crew shows up on time, uniformed, and ready to lift.

✅ Transparent Pricing: No games, no surprise fees. We give you a flat rate based on what you need removed — and we explain it all upfront.

✅ Eco-Responsible Disposal: We prioritize recycling whenever possible. Parts that can’t be reused are processed according to California environmental standards. You won’t have to wonder where it ended up.

✅ Guidance on What We Can (and Can’t) Take: If a part contains hazardous material or is better suited for a scrapyard, we’ll tell you straight — and even help point you in the right direction.

✅ We Do the Heavy Lifting: Literally. Forget hauling it to the curb. We pick it up from wherever it’s sitting. Our crew will retrieve parts from your garage, side yard, or driveway.

✅ Local, Licensed, and Insured: We’re a trusted Los Angeles junk removal company, fully licensed and insured — and we’re proud of our reputation for helping people clean up responsibly.

How to Prep Car Parts for Hauling

Here’s how to make your life easier (and your hauler’s too):

1. Drain all fluids: No oil, gas, or coolant should be left in the part. Use a safe disposal center for fluids.

2. Separate metals and plastics: Recyclers love this, and haulers can process it faster.

3. Keep it light: If it takes more than two people to lift it, mention it when booking the job.

4. Be honest: Tell your junk removal company exactly what you’ve got. Surprises make it harder for everyone.

Some haulers including us will even lower the cost if everything is sorted and prepped — especially if parts are recyclable.

What About Full Cars?

If you’re thinking of junking a whole vehicle, you’ll likely need a licensed auto salvage or scrap yard. We typically do not remove full cars, especially if you don’t have the title.

But what if it's already disassembled and reduced to a pile of parts? That’s when Golden Bear Hauling and Junk Removal stepped in.

Why This Matters: Environmental Safety First

Here’s a fact that stopped me mid-sentence while researching this topic:

According to LookupA, The average car contains 5–10 gallons of hazardous fluid, including motor oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid. Source: LookupA

Improperly disposing of those fluids can cause real harm — not just to the environment, but to the community around it. That’s why many junk haulers work under strict guidelines. Some even carry specific licenses to handle certain waste types.

According to the EPA, Over 10 million vehicles are sent to salvage yards and scrap facilities each year. Roughly 75% of a vehicle’s weight is made up of metals that can be recycled. Source: EPA

So when a hauler says “no” to that gunky engine block? It’s not laziness. It’s about doing the right thing.

Final Thoughts: So, Will Junk Haulers Take Car Parts?

Yes — but preparation is everything.

If it’s clean, drained, and manageable, most junk removal teams like Golden Bear Hauling and Junk Removal can and will take car parts. We always prioritize safety, compliance, and sustainability.

And when something’s beyond what we can do? We won’t leave you hanging. We’ll help guide you to the right recycling or disposal option.

Because at the end of the day, junk hauling isn’t just about taking things away. It’s about helping people move forward — one part at a time.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do junk haulers take car parts like engines or transmissions?

We can take engines or transmissions if they are drained of fluids and prepped properly. These parts are heavy and sometimes require additional fees or equipment to lift. If your parts still contain oil or coolant, you'll need to handle that before scheduling pickup—or you may be referred to a licensed auto recycler instead.

2. Can junk removal services take old car batteries?

Yes, but only if the company is equipped to handle hazardous materials like lead-acid batteries. We will take them for an extra charge or drop them off at a certified recycling center. Always mention batteries in your quote request so proper safety steps are taken.

3. Will junk haulers remove tires and rims?

Yes! We accept tires and rims, although tires often carry an extra disposal fee due to environmental regulations. Some companies recycle tires through certified partners, which keeps them out of landfills.

4. Do I need to clean or prep car parts before pickup?

Absolutely. Parts should be drained of all fluids, free from hazardous materials, and ideally grouped together. Cleaned and prepped items not only make removal safer but can also lower your hauling costs.

5. What happens to the car parts after they’re hauled away?

We prioritize recycling and responsible disposal. Metal parts often go to recycling centers, plastics may be sorted for reuse, and anything hazardous is handled according to local regulations. At Golden Bear Hauling, we strive to divert as much as possible from the landfill.

Request Free Quote